Central Canadian Academy Held in Toronto on November 25th, Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Patria) - The central Canadian academy was held in Toronto on November 25th, Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With the presence of a large number of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina living in Canada, the academy was opened by Mirza Durak, president of the Bosnian Cultural Center Toronto.

The academy was addressed by advisor Daniela Čolić on behalf of the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who read a letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina sent to the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora in Canada, Irfan Mirza, who spoke eloquently about the significance of Statehood Day and presented his new books, and Emir Ramić, who thanked Canada for its continuous support to the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and sent a message to the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Canada.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina wrote in his letter:

"I want to particularly emphasize the role and significance of our diaspora in Canada. Your professional and social engagement, and your dedicated connection to your homeland, represent a symbol of strength passed down through generations; a strength rooted in dignity and resilience of spirit.

Thanks to you, the values of our country live far beyond its borders, and the ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada become deeper and more significant with each passing day. Regardless of the distance, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains your permanent emotional anchor; the homeland to which you return, to which you belong, and to which you remain faithfully loyal. Thank you for everything you do for our country, for your love, your dedication, and your continuous care for the prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Daniela Čolić, advisor at the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Canada, particularly emphasized the significance of the multicultural Bosnian-Herzegovinian state, for which the diaspora in Canada strongly advocates. Incidentally, advisor Daniela Čolić is the only link between the embassy and the diaspora, for which we are grateful. Few diplomats fight so hard for their homeland and strongly promote their country.

On the occasion of Statehood Day, the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora in Canada received strong video messages from the Chairman of the Presidency Željko Komšić and Member of the Presidency Denis Bećirović.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is present in Canada: Our flags are flying in the Canadian cities of Mississauga, Toronto, Hamilton, Calgary. The Prime Minister of Canada, the prime ministers of Canadian provinces and territories, and the mayors of Canadian cities have paid tribute to the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, congratulating the national holiday, Statehood Day.

History lessons dedicated to Statehood Day were held in Bosnian language schools across Canada.

A message was sent during the history lessons:

"Bosnia is our mother. And he who forgets his mother has forgotten himself. Bosnia today needs us not to forget her. If we forget her, who will remember her! Never give up on your homeland. Proudly bear the name of the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. State that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a thousand years old. We love our BiH and proudly tell everyone that our homeland is BiH. For us, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most important center and the most essential goal, our ideal and our hope, our indivisible one and only homeland.”

Mirza Durak was presented with a special recognition at the academy for his contribution to preserving and strengthening Bosnian culture and tradition in Canada.

On behalf of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora, Emir Ramić sent a message to the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Canada, who locked away the national flag, which was procured by the diaspora, thus preventing its hoisting in front of the city assembly of the capital of Canada, Ottawa, about which a special statement will be issued.

"There is no debate that November 25th was declared Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina back in March 1995. The Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an internationally recognized country, passed a law declaring November 25th as Statehood Day, after which the Presidency gave its proclamation. This means that the law by which we celebrate Statehood Day is still in force and can only be changed by the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has not been done to this day. There is no debate that this law formally obliges all institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina to mark this historical date, which is so valid throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those who oppose the celebration of Statehood Day are in an anti-state and illegal anti-Bosnian coalition, in line with lies, guilt, against fundamental human rights and freedoms, in fact, against the state that pays them well. All pro-state citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, wherever they are, must collectively oppose anti-Bosnian actions because the Bosnian political and academic factor largely remains silent. Exceptions notwithstanding.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a long and honorable history. It was a kingdom, it had its bans and kings, its charters and its stećci. It was a home for different peoples and religions, but always special and its own. On November 25, 1943, in Mrkonjić Grad, a session of ZAVNOBiH was held. A decision was made to restore the statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was recorded: 'Bosnia and Herzegovina is neither Serbian, nor Croatian, nor Muslim, but Serbian, Croatian, and Muslim.'

We congratulate all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, wherever they may be, on November 25th, Statehood Day of our one and only Bosnia and Herzegovina," stated the IGK.