Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Srebrenica and All Wars
July 11, Friday
Historical context:
In July 1995, Srebrenica, declared a "safe zone" by the UN, was captured by Bosnian Serb forces under the command of General Ratko Mladić. In the days following the capture, more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed. These events were recognized as genocide by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice.
How this day is observed:
* Memorial ceremonies, a moment of silence, and the reading of victims' names take place in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries.
* Official events and the burial of recently identified victims are held at the Potočari Memorial Center (near Srebrenica).
* People lay flowers at monuments and memorials and participate in remembrance prayers.
* Educational lectures, exhibitions, and documentary screenings on genocide and peace issues are organized.
* In several countries, remembrance marches are held, especially in Europe, where the Bosnian diaspora is strong.
Symbolism and meaning:
The symbol of this day is the Srebrenica flower — white and green with eleven petals, representing the innocence of the victims and the hope for peace.
The Srebrenica and All Wars Victims Remembrance Day is a reminder of the consequences of hatred, nationalism, and the indifference of the international community. It also serves as a call for reconciliation, awareness of historical lessons, and the preservation of peace.
Conclusion:
This day is not only a reminder of the Srebrenica tragedy but also of the importance of remembering all war victims, working to prevent future conflicts, and upholding humanity and justice in international relations.