Resolution 240402

..Title Adding "Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu Way" to the street signs on Willits Road between Holme Avenue and Academy Road in recognition of the new Albanian American Community Center being constructed at 3322 Willits Road by the Philadelphia Albanian-American chapter of the Bijte E Shqipes. ..Body WHEREAS, In 2018 the local Albanian-American chapter of the Bijte E Shqipes acquired the former Lower Dublin Academy in Philadelphia located at 3322 Willits Road; and WHEREAS, With the goal of restoring this former school that used to teach immigrants English, renovations began; and WHEREAS, Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu is an Albanian National Hero who is known as the defender of Western Civilization. He was born in 1405 in northern Albania and died on January 17, 1468 in Lezh�, Albania; and WHEREAS, He serves as a symbol of the fight for freedom and independence, and as a leader with a clear vision in the efforts to unify Albanian territories. For centuries, Gjergj Kastrioti has been the most important part of the Albanian national history and identity. His historical figure and what it represents has found its place in the works of many artists, both local and foreign, in sculpture, painting, literature, and cinema; and WHEREAS, His statue stands in half a dozen European capitals and a bust in London carries an inscription describing him as 'the Defender of Western Civilization'; and WHEREAS, Gjergj Kastrioti Sk�nderbeu is considered by historians as one of the 4 best generals and strategists of the world with Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Napoleon Bonaparte; and WHEREAS, The Vatican has even given him the title "The Athlete of Christianity". The Pope Francis underlined that Gjergj Kastrioti Sk�nderbeu"bravely defended the spiritual values ??and the Christian name, so much so that he deserved the title 'Athleta Christi',"The Athlete of Christianity"; and WHEREAS, Across the United States, in New York City, Boston, and Chicago, streets have been renamed in the honor of Gjergj Kastrioti Sk�nderbeu; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby adds "Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu Way" to the street signs on Willits Road between Holme Avenue and Academy Road in recognition of the new Albanian American Community Center. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Albanian-American chapter of the Bijte E Shqipes as evidence of the admiration and respect of this body. ..End