“Long live Bosnia and Herzegovina!” , said the students of the Bosnian supplementary school Birmingham.
March 1, Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is considered one of the most important dates in the modern history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has been celebrated since 1992. Namely, on February 29 and March 1, 1992, a referendum on the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the SFRY was held in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The majority of Bosnians and Herzegovinians voted in favor of it – they voted for a democratic and independent Bosnia and Herzegovina, a state of equal citizens.
Although miles away from their home country, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina who live and work in Great Britain gathered at the Bosnian House in Birmingham to celebrate this important date for our homeland, Bosnia and
Herzegovina. In the morning hours, the premises of the Bosnian House were filled with song, joy, yellow and blue colors and messages about the independence of the dear motherland.
The program began as usual with the singing of the national anthems of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Great Britain. However, this time we were pleasantly surprised by one of the students, eleven-year-old Emina Bolić, who successfully played the national anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina on her flute. Everyone present enjoyed the beautiful melodies played.
After the anthem was sung, the program continued. “With the successful resistance of the citizens of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to aggression and the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to a multiethnic and democratic state of equal peoples, BiH has
preserved its legal and historical continuity. Citizens in Great Britain celebrate the Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina with joy, with an awareness of the importance of the thousand-year-old Bosnian culture, history and tradition, with the feeling that they need to work harder for the political, economic, academic and cultural development and better future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Gathering in the Bosnian House to celebrate Independence Day is an expression of hope and confidence in the fruits that independence brings,” said our longtime teacher Azra Bašić.
Those present had the opportunity to watch a documentary film about the referendum for the independence of BiH, based on which the students played a knowledge quiz prepared by our teachers Eldina and Emir Bolić. In this way, the students proved through teamwork that a lot can be learned about Bosnia and Herzegovina through quizzes and games. Not long after, the program continued through recitations and songs, with which our young generations sent congratulations to those present on the occasion of the Independence Day of our homeland. The students once again showed that working with teachers and volunteers is not insignificant and that it contributes to preservation and promotion
cultural identity and mother tongue. Members of the group “Mladost Bosne” were also awarded with rich applause for their folklore performance under the creative eye of our dear teacher Fahira Hasedžić.
“It is my pleasure to express my best wishes and congratulations on the occasion of celebrating the Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The folklore group “Mladost Bosne” does it best with its dedicated performances. This year we are richer for another generation of members, made up of our youngest 5-7 years old. I am extremely proud to be their folklore instructor, and today’s first
we broke the ice with our performance. We are planning a lot of things, but the most important thing is that they have fun and show that culture should not and cannot be easily forgotten,” said Mrs. Hasedžić.
After the program, the socializing continued with pizzas, with which the students were rewarded for their efforts.
To all of you who hold Bosnia and Herzegovina in your heart, we congratulate you on March 1, Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Your BH UK Network
