Samir Becic, renowned American fitness trainer of Bosnian origin, who was recently rewarded by president Joe Biden for his work and contribution to the community, has launched a campaign to declare July 11 Bosnia and Herzegovina Day in remembrance of the Srebrenica genocide in all major cities in the United States.

In late April, Becic addressed the mayors of the 100 largest cities in the US, urging them to raise awareness about the genocide and honour the memory of the victims.

Following the request, the mayor of the city of Toledo, Ohio, Wade Kapszukiewicz, proclaimed July 11, 2023 as Bosnia and Herzegovina Day in that city, in remembrance of the Srebrenica genocide.

“On behalf of Bosnian-Americans, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the City of Toledo and the honorable Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz for granting my request for Bosnia and Herzegovina Day,” Becic said expressing gratefulness to the mayor.

Becic's own hometown of Kljuc was one of the locations also hit by Serb forces, where 784 victims were killed and 34 victims are still unaccounted for, including his family members, his neighbours, and his school friends, according to the article published in Becic's Health Fitness Revolution magazine.

“Having personally experienced the horrors and loss of the Bosnian War, Samir realised that many people in America are not aware of this tragic event and its significance. Determined to change that, Samir’s campaign urges American Mayors to raise awareness about the genocide and honor the memory of the victims. His efforts to educate these mayors about the Srebrenica genocide demonstrate the power of individual action,” it was stressed.

The article also said that Becic's personal experience with war and displacement inspired him to help others and promote peace, fueling his career in health and fitness.

“It is essential to educate people about the Srebrenica genocide to promote understanding, tolerance, and peace. By learning about the past, we can work towards a better future,” it added.

The Srebrenica genocide is considered one of the worst atrocities in Europe since World War II. It occurred during the Bosnian war, which lasted from 1992 to 1995. But what made it even more horrific was the forcible transfer and abuse of between 25,000 and 30,000 Bosniak women, children, and elderly that accompanied the massacre. To this day, their families still grieve their loss, the article reminded.

In 2007, the International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled that the massacre and the accompanying atrocities constituted genocide.

“But the scars of the war and the genocide are still fresh. Bosnia is a country struggling to heal and unite its people in the aftermath of the destruction. Ethnic cleansing, rape, destruction, concentration camps, and mass killings became the norm, leaving over 100,000 people dead and 2.2 million displaced,” it added.