March 1, 2023: Bosnian American Day

WHEREAS, the Bosnian American community has contributed their rich culture to the American way of life; and,

WHEREAS, the contributions in research, science, technology, healthcare, architecture, sport, literature, art, film, music, and the customs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, express creative interaction between different religions, ethnicities, and traditions; and,

WHEREAS, the residents of the State of Michigan experience the Bosnian American community’s impact through art, cuisine, business, healthcare, education, and cultural events; and,

WHEREAS, the first, second, and third generations of Bosnian Americans living in the United States are a diverse community, and embrace multiculturalism as a fundamental principle of Bosnian and Herzegovinian culture; and,

WHEREAS, thousands of genocide survivors, who are Bosnian Americans, are thankful to be in a country that offered them safe refuge in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and the opportunity to succeed and contribute to the United States through civic engagement; and,

WHEREAS, on March 1^st, 1992, the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina voted for their independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, thus restoring the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and affirming its multiethnic fundamental principles; and, 

WHEREAS, March 1^st is now recognized as the day of Independence for Bosnia and Herzegovina;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 1, 2023, as Bosnian American Day in Michigan and commend the Bosnian American community for ensuring a continued strong relationship between Bosnia, Herzegovina, and the United States.