Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina ceremonially marked at the Bosnian House in Birmingham

(Patria) - At the Bosnian House in Birmingham, March 1, Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was ceremonially marked yesterday, with the presence of a large number of members of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community, parents, students, representatives of organizations, and friends of our country.

The program began with the playing of the anthems of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Kingdom, symbolically emphasizing the connection of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in the United Kingdom with their homeland, but also with the society in which they live and work today.

Those present were addressed via video message by Željko Komšić, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who extended congratulations on the occasion of Independence Day and thanked the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in the United Kingdom for preserving their identity, culture, and tradition.

A special part of the program was dedicated to the promotion of the book "We, the Children of Sarajevo" by author Mensura Burridge, a poignant testimony about the growing up of children during the siege of Sarajevo. The book brings a powerful story of courage, identity, and hope, and reminds us of the importance of preserving collective memory.

Before the start of the cultural and artistic program, those present were addressed by Emir Bolić, Secretary of the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network and Director of the Bosnian Supplementary School Birmingham, who spoke about the importance of preserving language, culture, and identity among young generations in the diaspora.

The cultural and artistic program was prepared by students of the Bosnian Supplementary School Birmingham and members of the KUD "Fahira Hasedžić".

They performed recitations and songs dedicated to the homeland, including "Ja sin sam tvoj, zemljo", "Jedna si jedina", "Bosanske gore sniježne", and "Ne dam domovinu". A special emotion was evoked by the performance of the sevdalinka "O Safete, Sajo, Sarajlijo" in the interpretation of soloists Ayla Pezerović and Isak Golos.

The program was complemented by a folklore performance by the younger and middle groups of KUD "Fahira Hasedžić", who performed traditional Bosnian kolo dances and once again showcased the richness of the cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In keeping with the spirit of the month of Ramadan, after the end of the program, the call to prayer for iftar was announced, recited by Azhar ef. Gazibegović, after which a joint iftar was held for all present at the Bosnian House.

The event organizers were the BH Association Birmingham and the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network, under the patronage of the Honorary Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Midlands region.

The marking of Independence Day at the Bosnian House once again demonstrated the strength and organization of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in the United Kingdom, as well as the important role of young generations who, through language, culture, and tradition, continue to preserve the identity of Bosnia and Herzegovina far from the homeland.