Bosnian Americans Celebrate BiH Statehood Day

On November 25, 2012, Bosnian Americans all across the United States came together to honor the centuries-old, multi-ethnic life of BiH and celebrate the country's vibrant culture and institutions. On November 25, 1943 in a town called Mrkonjic Grad, the Anti-Fascist Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ZAVNOBIH) declared BiH an equal community of Muslims, Croats and Serbs and the statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina was re-established.

ACBH Executive Director, Ajla Delkic traveled to Florida where she participated in the festivities with the Bosnian American community in Jacksonville. "I would like to thank Mr. Suad Tica, Ms. Elma Omerovic and all of the other volunteers who contributed to the success of this event. I was pleased to introduce the work of ACBH and we look forward to working with the Jacksonville community" stated Delkic.

In St. Louis, MO – home of the largest Bosnian community outside of BiH, ACBH sponsored the BiH Statehood event and Patrick McCarthy, ACBH Director of Development gave a speech stating that "BiH is one country, Bosnians are one people with many backgrounds, and BiH has one capital: Sarajevo. As some of you know, I was in Sarajevo during the war, and I went through the tunnel under the Butmir airport to enter and leave the city, then under siege. Patriotic Bosnians fought and died for the sovereignty and unity of BiH, and that fight continues today. ACBH is leading the fight. Bosnia must be defended against those who would divide it. ACBH is your voice in Washington, D.C. As the city with one of the largest Bosnian communities in the U.S., we must be a strong, clear voice in shaping the future of BiH. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Osjecam se kao ponosan sin Bosne i Herzegovine!"

The Congress of North American Bosniaks (CNAB), also helped celebrate the BiH Statehood Day in Grand Rapids, MI. The guest of honor was the Mayor of Grand Rapids, Mr. George K Hartwell. "Grand Rapids is the home of over 10,000 Bosnian Americans and we sincerely thank Mayor Hartwell for his support and for proclaiming the 25th November as the BiH Statehood Day in the city of Grand Rapids" stated CNAB Vice President, Mr. Hamdija Custovic. Also in attendance was Mr. Edin Sehic, Minister Counselor of the BiH Consulate in Washington D.C.

ACBH urges all Bosnian American communities to work together in order to move BiH forward. The prosperity and democratic development of BiH is significant for the overall stability of the entire Southeast Europe region and Europe as a whole.