With the recent declaration of independence by kosovo there was cause for celebration among the Stateline's ethnic Albanians Many Albanians all across the world have been dreaming of a free Kosovo since before World War One. When the United States recognized Kosovo's independence from Serbia earlier this week that dream came true. Dozens of the Stateline's Albanian community met tonight at the Hoffman House in Rockford. The purpose of this gathering was to celebrate the independence of Kosovo. I talked with Ijet Rushiti who spoke of the trials and tribulations of the Albanian people.

"We've been all the time suffering of genocide. All the rights taken, people suffer too much. About one million people have to leave to immigrate all over the world."

Ijet says the hat he is wearing is known as a gege. He used to wear the cap as a symbol to remind other people and himself of the plight of Kosovo. Now he wears it as a symbol of Kosovo's independence from Serbia. As of right now political pressure is forcing Kosovo to use a different flag from Albania. But many of the Albanians in the Stateline hope to see the two countries united someday.