 Dubbed the " Legendary Commander " ( Albanian : <unk> <unk> ) by Albanians , Jashari is regarded by many in Kosovo as being the " father of the KLA " . Portraits of him carrying an automatic weapon often adorn the walls of homes inhabited by ethnic Albanians . Considered a symbol of independence by Kosovo Albanians , the anniversary of Jashari 's death is annually commemorated in Kosovo and his home has since been transformed into a shrine . The field where he and his family were buried has since become a place of pilgrimage for Kosovo Albanians , and several authors have equated Jashari with Albanian national hero George Kastrioti Skanderbeg as well as Albanian <unk> rebels from the past . Following Kosovo 's declaration of independence in 2008 , Jashari was posthumously awarded the title " Hero of Kosovo " for his role in the Kosovo War . The football stadium in Mitrovica , the National Theatre in Prishtina and Prishtina International Airport have also been named after him . 
