The Albanian, who fought for the democracy in Spain, who commanded the antifascist volunteer units for the liberation of Marseille, the general Veli Dedi, and “Hero of the Nation” was born in Medvedja of Jablanica, on April 5th, 1912. He took the first lessons at homeland, and finished the secondary school in Belgrade. At age 20, he returned to Albania and completed in Tirana the Royal Military School. He graduated in Italy at the Artillery Academy and Xhenjos. 3 years he fought in the International Brigades in defence of the Spanish Republic. 5 other years he fought with the French partisans against the Nazi occupation of the homeland of the great French Revolution. After the great victory over Nazi, in January 1946, he returned to Albania and served as a senior officer in the army and Ministry of Defence. For some years he directed the Central State Archive. In 1959, Veli Dedi was awarded with the Major General title. He also was awarded with the title “Hero of Nation” and with the decorations “Gentleman freedom” and “Fighter of the International Brigades”.
5 April 1912, was born the military officer Veli Dedi “Fighter of the International Brigades”
