International Gala Dinner in Annapolis, Željko Komšić to Attend, Discussion on Culture of Remembrance of Srebrenica Genocide

(Patria) - The Maryland-Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC) will host its first international gala dinner on February 12, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, at The Westin hotel in Annapolis.

This formal event will bring together high-ranking officials, diplomats, representatives of the academic and business communities, as well as members of the BiH diaspora, with the aim of further strengthening the long-standing and substantive relations between the state of Maryland and BiH, as well as overall relations between BiH and the USA.

The gala dinner is held under the motto "Building Bridges, Honoring Legacy, Investing in the Future," and symbolizes the continuity of cooperation initiated through the State Partnership Program between the Maryland National Guard and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This cooperation is increasingly developing today in civilian areas as well - from education and culture to economy and institutional ties, at the state and federal levels of the United States of America.

Culture of Remembrance in Focus

A particularly significant part of this year's gala dinner will be dedicated to nurturing the culture of remembrance of the Srebrenica genocide.

Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee will address the attendees on behalf of Governor Wes Moore and will, in his name, receive the Srebrenica Flower, an award presented by the Mothers of Srebrenica association for contributions to preserving the memory and truth about the genocide, protecting the dignity of victims, and fighting against the denial of crimes in the USA and beyond, in accordance with the relevant UN resolution.

This act represents a strong institutional confirmation of the commitment of the state of Maryland, as well as the broader American political community, to the universal values of human rights and justice.

The fact that Governor Wes Moore has, for two consecutive years, declared July 11 as Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Day in the state of Maryland through an official proclamation, making Maryland one of the leaders in institutional culture of remembrance in the United States of America, adds further weight to this recognition.

Distinguished Guests and Award Recipients

Among the distinguished guests and speakers at the gala dinner will be the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić, who will address the attendees on behalf of the state of BiH.

The central part of the evening will be dedicated to the awarding of MBHEC's Lifetime Achievement Awards, which are presented to individuals whose long-standing public and political engagement has had a lasting and measurable impact on strengthening relations between the United States of America and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as on promoting common democratic values.

This year's recipients are:
• Benjamin L. Cardin, former US Senator from Maryland, who is being awarded for his consistent and principled engagement in protecting human rights, promoting democracy, and his long-standing strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina, including his key role in strengthening bilateral relations between the USA and BiH;
• Steny H. Hoyer, Congressman from Maryland and one of the longest-serving and most influential members of the US House of Representatives, who is being recognized for his exceptional contribution to public service, continuous support for international partnerships, and his long-standing advocacy for the stability, sovereignty, and Euro-Atlantic future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By presenting these awards, Bosnians and Americans from the state of Maryland, and beyond, gathered around the Maryland-Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council, express their deep gratitude to Senator Cardin and Congressman Hoyer for all they have done for the United States during decades of public service, as well as for their contribution to preserving and strengthening friendly and strategic relations between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and their support for Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening its position on its path to the European Union and NATO.

The organizers state that the confirmation of attendance from several other high-ranking American officials is also expected, who would participate in the program as speakers, further adding political and symbolic weight to the gala dinner.

A Bridge Between Institutions and Communities

MBHEC emphasizes that the gala dinner is not just a formal event, but also a strategic platform for connecting institutions, communities, and individuals, as well as for opening new avenues for cooperation in the fields of education, academic and student exchange, economic initiatives, and strengthening the role of the diaspora as an important bridge between Maryland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the USA.