PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Jamie Thompson (front, third from left) welcomed several members of Michigan’s Albanian community to the House floor on Wednesday, Nov. 12 to celebrate the 113^th anniversary of Albanian Independence Day, which is observed annually on Nov. 28. The group included members of the Albanian-American Bektashi Monastery in Taylor, which Thompson represents in the Michigan House.

“Today, Michigan is blessed to have one of the largest Albanian-American communities in the United States,” said Thompson, of Brownstown. “This community is known for their love of freedom, strong work ethic and cultural traditions grounded in family, hospitality, faith and perseverance. I am honored to celebrate this occasion with this proud community and represent families and neighborhoods that will uphold these traditions and values for generations to come.”

Thompson presented the group with a legislative tribute and signed state seal. The group also met with the governor, the Speaker of the House and toured the state Capitol before the ceremony on the House floor.