Fatmir's parents vising his final resting spot on his birthday

Fatmir with his brothers and a cousin in late1980's in Kosovo where he was born and grew up. 

Presidential Certificate from President Joe Biden

Fatmir aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt  somewhere in the Pacific Ocean in a in 2020

Fatmir aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt somewhere in the Pacific Ocean in a in 2020

Fatmir Ferizaj somewhere in the Pacific Ocean aboard USS Theodor Roosevelt, 2020. 

Calverton National Cemetery

Dear Fatmir,

Today was supposed to be your birthday. You should have turned 42.
Instead of celebrating with you, we visited your resting place at Calverton—still trying to come to terms with the fact that you’re no longer with us. But your name is written on the stone: it says Fatmir Ferizaj. You are resting here.

I brought a flower from your son, Arber too. He’s not here, but I know he would have been if he could. I know how much he misses you. He still talks about you, and every time I visit your grave, I bring flowers in his name—because I know he would want to be part of these moments with you.

We stood there as a family, honoring you with flowers, stories, and memories. I also played your favorite songs. It’s become a tradition now for me. I’m especially drawn to “Vajtim mbi varrin e vëllait” by Ilir Shaqiri—your favorite singer, and such a fitting song. I hope you heard us… and the song.

We remembered your laugh, your strength, your love for all of us… and yes, we cried. A lot.

You will always be 40 to us.
Forever young.
Forever loved.
Forever with us. 💔

Zemer nuk e di si mund ta vazhdoj jeten keshtu , Ti nuk ke iden sa shume me mungon , megjethese na shikon nga larg , Me mire te jem atje afer teje sesa te perjetoj ket jeten ketu , pa motive pa mbeshtetjen tende pa dashurine tende, Kur me thote babi dua te shkojme te shpia babit ne Virginia bashke me babin ,dua qe zoti te na bashkoje bashke sa me shpejt sesa te perjetoj keto gjera kshu , larg teje 
Nuk di cte them zemer , nuk di pse jeta paska qen keshtu per ne , ndonjeher me duket sikur jam ne movie .Shpesh  cohem naten , pothuajse cdo naten dhe me dhket sikur jam me bad dream , pastaj kuptoj qe eshte e vertet , pastaj me duket jeta jone si ne movie .Ti e di qe une kam qen perher me e dobet se di , ti ishe shtylla ime   mbeshtetja ime , dhe e Arbrit. Nuk na mungon , po spo marim do fryme pa ty.Po jetojme nje jete te pakuptikte , pa motive , pa koke , ashtu si pula pa koke po shkoj tani , si ateher qe talleshe me mua , tani a ashtu jam vertet  Si Pul Pa Koke
O zemer te shkruaj per te ty per mungesen tende , per sa shume me mungon nuk ka asgje ku mund ti shpreh keto ndenja , e di nuk flas me asnje ,se me duket asnje sme kupton , po ti e di qe flas me ty gjate gjithe kohes
U know zemer Arbri eshte rrit shume, po qe te ka ngjare 100%  kur thote mami don't spend money even though i buy 1 water he says that une vetem qesh dhe vazhdoj flas me ty .
Omg zemer eshte i paster sa ty , dicka te shoh pis thote mami you so messy , qesh me te, dhe kthehem flas me ty .
Ohhhh zemer sa shume me mungon , nese i shfalos ndejnjat ne shkrim per ty asgje sdo jet mjaftueshem 

Zemer I miss you so much,thank you for being the best husband the best dady 
You never gone you  always will be in our hearts. Me and Arber always say to you have a good night, I hope your are watching us from the heaven. Every night Arber says I love more babin than Mami,  
We watch the video and the pictures with Arber every day and lough, I cry too I still can not believe what happened to us. I'm not strong enough to start living without you o zemra ime , nuk Kam fjale te pershkruaj boshkellekun qe na ke len 
Do te falenderoj gjithe jeten time qe na ke dash me shume se veten 
Do lutem per shpirtin tend deri sa te kem shpirtin tim gjalle!
Rest in piece zemer 


Dear Ferizaj,

You will be miss my brother.  You were my liberty buddy in Vietnam and in S-8 supply division and we had a great time during that time one night overnight during the pandamic out break Covid on CVN 71 Theodore Roosevelt 2020. Rest in peace my man.  

Kevin Quan

Dear Fatmir, A few days ago on Veterans Day, I visited your final resting place at the Calverton National Memorial. Standing there, I was deeply reminded of your unwavering spirit, your innate kindness, and your noble service that touched so many lives. Your absence leaves a void that is deeply felt, yet your memory is a guiding light, inspiring us every day.
I am immensely grateful for the precious time we shared and the enduring memories we created together. Each one is a treasure, a testament to the bond we had. Fatmir, I miss you more than words can express, but I find solace in the rich legacy you've left behind. Your spirit, your love, and your lessons will forever be a part of me, eternally held in my heart 
Rest in peace, dear brother Fatmir. 

Fatmir aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt 

FATMIR FERIZAJ

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