The festive holiday program in honor of our homeland was organized by the Ceremonial Academy, which was organized tonight in the City Hall by the City of Sarajevo, together with the Sarajevo Canton and the Alliance of Anti-Fascists and Fighters of the National Liberation War in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Congratulating the Statehood Day of BiH, Mayor Samir Avdić emphasized in his address: “Sarajevo is the home of all Bosnians and Herzegovinians, a symbol of multiculturalism and openness. Therefore, from this place we clearly send a message: a state is not built only by institutions. A state is also built by its citizens, a strong economy, investment in culture and sports, science and technology, youth, and above all in its education”.
Sead Đulić, President of SABNOR in BiH, also joined the congratulations, emphasizing that “the idea of ZAVNOBiH and what ZAVNOBiH is is our most powerful tool, our most powerful weapon in the fight for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
The ceremonial academy was also an opportunity to connect the historical significance, contemporary challenges and vision of the future of our country through a conversation with distinguished guests from our political and academic life. Prof. Dr. Ivo Komšić, Academician Ejup Ganić, Academician Mirko Pejanović and Minister in the Government of Sarajevo Canton, Darja Softić Kadenić, shared their views on this.
Former Mayor of Dayton and American Congressman Michael Ray Turner and University Professor David Pettigrew are now officially Honorary Citizens of the City of Sarajevo. This significant city recognition was presented to them by Mayor Avdić and Chairman of the City Council Alen Girt.
A sincere friend and proven ally, one of the most authentic and consistent voices of support for Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina in US institutions, Michael Ray Turner, thanked for the recognition with a message that he remains committed to the security, prosperity and success of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the peace that the Dayton Peace Agreement brought to its people.
Prof. Dr. Pettigrew emphasized that he is grateful to Sarajevo for this exceptional honor. His messages are always focused on solidarity with survivors, condemning hate speech and denial, and strengthening the culture of remembrance.
Lejla Jusić and Amila Ravkić put an artistic stamp on the Festival Academy by performing the songs “Bosno moja” and “S one strane Plive” accompanied by guitarist Elvira Solak. The actor Izudin Bajrović also left a strong impression, as he recited excerpts from the legendary Josip Pejaković’s poem “Kako bolan nema Bosna”, the City Administration announced.
