Skopje, 13 September 2023 (MIA) – The U.S. Embassy organized Wednesday the 15th blood drive on the National Day of Service in honor of the victims, survivors and everyone who helped deal with the consequences from the September 11, 2001, terror attack. 

President Stevo Pendarovski, Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski, Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi, members of the diplomatic corps in the country participated in the blood drive, at the invitation of U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia, Angela Aggeler. 

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi also attended the event.

President Pendarovski and his son Ognen donated blood in memory of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

"A noble event promoting volunteering and service in the interest of the community," Pendarovski posted on Facebook.

Minister Spasovski also said in a Facebook that he gladly participated in the blood drive at the U.S. Embassy, at the invitation of Ambassador Aggeler, in honor of the victims, survivors and everyone else who helped deal with the consequences of the terror attack on September 11, 2001.

Red Cross Secretary General Sait Saiti said that the tradition is a constant reminder and calls for proactivity, solidarity and understanding the plight of others.

"This year as well, the donated blood, food, and items will later be given to at-risk families. This event is a roadmap on how we should live in terms of manifesting humanity and solidarity, and serves as a reminder of the victims and the events of 2001 we wish never happen again," Saiti said.

Saiti added that the Macedonian people are very humane, which is also proven by the aid they provided to the victims of the earthquake in Turkey.

"The money we collected was used to build a school in Malatya. We left a lasting mark, this is a good example of investing citizens’ funds, because now everyone who passes through that town will be able to read how a small country participated in the construction of a school that will bear the name "Macedonia," while the classrooms will be named after Macedonian cities," Saiti said.

He noted that Wednesday's event is to collect 220 units of blood, and that people will be able to donate money, food and other items in front of the Embassy, that will later be donated to several families.

The blood drive was conducted in collaboration with the Red Cross of North Macedonia and the Transfusion Institute. ssh/nn/

Photo: MIA