Muriel Bowser, the mayor of the District of Columbia, has declared March 1, 2023, the Bosnian-American Day in Washington, DC, on the occasion of the Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is marked on that date.

“Whereas, the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina voted for independence on March 1, 1992, and March 1 is now recognized as Bosnia and Herzegovina's day of independence, and whereas, this sovereign nation in Europe's western Balkan Peninsula is comprised of many religions, ethnicities, and traditions and is devoted to observing fundamental multiethnic principles, and whereas, the Bosnian American community has enriched the Washington, DC, region with its art, culture, cuisine, commitment to education, and business development, and whereas, Bosnian Americans and residents of our nation's capital have a shared commitment to the cherished values of democracy and self-determination,” the mayor wrote in her proclamation.

The decision was made on March 1, the day when Bosnia and Herzegovina marks its Independence Day.

Bowser was sworn in on January 1, for the third four-year tenure.

Big news! March 1st was also recognized as Bosnian-American Day in Washington, DC! Thank you to @MayorBowser for the Proclamation. pic.twitter.com/y6r4PIU3QY

— One BiH (@JednaBiH) March 3, 2023