How Haxhi Lleshi described the battle in Radostushë and how Jashar Meziu remembered the anniversary of the war in Llokëm
In June 1973, the Presidium of the People’s Assembly decorated Jashar Meziu with the high order of the “Red Banner of Labor” of the first class . This decoration was not simply a ceremonial act, but an occasion to bring to the collective memory a glorious chapter of the national liberation war and the construction of socialism in the deepest areas of Albania .
After the official decision, Haxhi Lleshi , at that time Chairman of the Presidium, sent a long and personal letter to Jashari , calling him “my close friend and comrade-in-arms in the most difficult days.”
🏞️ Memories from Dibra: “Together in Radostushë and Llokëm…”
Haxhi Lleshi’s letter is a warm and detailed account of some of the most difficult battles fought in the areas of Greater Dibra:
“We remember Radostusha and Llokëmi well, because together we were in these battles, when others were thinking of surrendering, when we were dozens of times fewer in number…”
He mentions confrontations with the Germans, the Ballists, and the Titoists , describing them as “the forces of darkness,” and describes how, although with few forces, “we were supported by faith in the Party, the people, and the justice of our war.”
🛡️ Denouncing traitors: “We have been against them everywhere!”
In the letter, Haxhi Lleshi mentions by name:
- National Front Forces
- Tito’s troops operating on the eastern borders
- ” Traitors to the homeland who tried to sabotage our just war”
He emphasizes that Jashari “made no compromises” and always remained at the forefront of the Party and the people.
🏗️ From war to the construction of socialism: “We were both in Elbasan”
After the end of the war, according to Haxhi Lleshi, the road did not become easier:
“You, comrade Jashar, had the great burden of organizing the people’s councils in the Dibra area and then in Elbasan. We remember well the nights with party orders in hand and the joy of working for our people.”
📩 Thank you letter: “You were my educator”
In response, Jashar Meziu writes a letter of gratitude to Haxhi Lleshi, stating:
“You were not only a commander, you were also my educator during the war and after it.”
He recalls “unforgettable moments from village to village”, where Haxhi Lleshi would burden him with difficult tasks, but always with trust and support. Jashari thanks the Party and Enver Hoxha for the decoration and promises to continue “giving his maximum until his last breath”.
🏅 A decoration to commemorate a generation
This document is more than an administrative act of decoration – it is a mosaic of emotions, memories and political values , which recalls an entire generation of men who conveyed the ideal of the Party from the trenches to the administration, from Dibra to Elbasan, from the battles against the invaders to the offices of building socialism.
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