9 - 11

The evening of 9-11 we found ourselves in the middle of Prishtina sitting in the Red Hall, a modest concert hall with long red curtains draped along the walls. We were there to take in a memorial concert for the tragic events of September 11th. After opening remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the US office in Prishtina (translated in English, Albanian and Serbian), we enjoyed an intimate concert given by the Kosova Philharmony –Opera Orchestra. Several of the high school staff were there quietly appreciating the quality of the music and the genuine empathy collectively expressed by the Kosovar performers. It is unique, indeed, to experience being allies at such a simple, personal level. The people of Kosova truly appreciate America and its citizens for what they have done (and will do) for them, and hopefully for their independence.