The central commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide for the state of Michigan in the USA was held in Detroit.
The commemoration was attended by prominent leaders from the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan.
The mayor of Troy, part of Detroit, Ethan Baker, expressed his support for organizing the commemoration and spoke about the importance of a culture of remembrance.
Councilwoman Rebecca Chamberlain-Creanga shared with the audience a personal and moving experience from her time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Speaking with warmth and respect, she highlighted the beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its rich tradition, history, culture, hospitality, and deep humanity. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national and religious diversity is a wealth that shapes the Bosnian identity and the inspiration that Bosnia and Herzegovina carries and shares with the world, even after aggression and genocide, the councilwoman emphasized.
Also present were State Representative Sharon MacDonell, Councilman Hirak Chandi, and other local government representatives from Troy and Detroit, who by their presence showed respect for the victims of the genocide, but also for the state of BiH and the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in Detroit.
In his speech, Dr. Emir Ramić, Director of the Genocide Research Institute of Canada, said among other things:
“Detroit has not and will never forget Srebrenica. Srebrenica is not the only genocide – but it is the only one that happened in the presence of those who promised to prevent it. If Srebrenica is only a symbol, not an obligation – then it will happen again. If July 11 is only a day of ceremonies, not a day of action – then the world has learned nothing. And that is why we say from Detroit that we do not only remember the past. We promise the future. We promise to remember – not to hate, but so that it will not happen again. That we will speak the truth – not to judge, but to heal. And that no people will ever again become invisible while disappearing. Truth must have its place in the world, and it has it in Detroit”.
The participation of a large number of young people who played a notable role in both the peaceful walk before and during the commemoration itself is a special encouragement for the future fight for truth and justice. The creativity of the youth truly contributed to making the commemoration dignified.
The Genocide Research Institute of Canada would like to express its special thanks to the City of Detroit and Mayor Mike Duggan for the official proclamation declaring July 11 as Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Day, and to all members of the City Council who contributed to this historic decision. This proclamation has added significance because it expresses support and respect for the struggles of women raped in the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina for their truth and justice. Rape in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been determined by international courts as a crime against humanity. In addition to this proclamation, the Mayor of Hamtramck also issued a proclamation declaring July 11 as Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Day, and the week surrounding that date as Bosnia and Herzegovina Week.
The Genocide Research Institute of Canada would like to express its special thanks to Dr. Sijana Džinić and all members of the Organizing Committee who truly did an excellent job, setting an example for others of how truth, justice, and a culture of remembrance can be institutionally defended and strengthened together, and especially with young people. Many speakers, artists, volunteers, sponsors and media contributed to mark this important anniversary with dignity, through art, words, silence and togetherness.
The mission of fighting for truth, justice and a culture of remembrance in Detroit continues through education, culture of remembrance and community gathering.
Detroit has not and will never forget Srebrenica, Genocide Research Institute of Canada writes.
