Washington, D.C., March 3, 2026 – For the second consecutive year, the State of Maryland has officially declared March 1 as Bosnian-American Day in Maryland. The proclamation was presented this evening at a reception hosted at the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Washington, D.C., in celebration of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Independence Day.
The proclamation, signed by Wes Moore, was formally presented by Deputy Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lore to the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States, Sven Alkalaj, during the official reception held on March 3, 2026.
The event gathered representatives of the Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council, members of the diplomatic corps, officials from key U.S. institutions including the White House and the U.S. Department of State, as well as representatives from Washington, D.C., and the State of Maryland.
The proclamation pays tribute to the historic significance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s declaration of independence on March 1, 1992, while highlighting the strong and enduring partnership between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It recognizes the invaluable contributions of the Bosnian-American community and reaffirms Maryland’s continued support for strengthening bilateral ties.
This year’s proclamation once again coincides with the anniversary of the State Partnership Program between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, underscoring more than two decades of close cooperation between the Maryland National Guard and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as broader collaboration in economic, academic, and civic spheres.
Special recognition was given to the Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council, which was acknowledged in the proclamation as a reliable partner and advocate in fostering dynamic and forward-looking relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the State of Maryland.
“This proclamation stands as a powerful testament to our shared commitment to democracy, human rights, and the pursuit of peace and prosperity. We sincerely thank Governor Wes Moore and his team for their continued support and dedication to strengthening the bonds between our two communities,” representatives of the Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council stated.
In his address to distinguished guests and members of the Bosnian-American community, Ambassador Sven Alkalaj emphasized the vital role of United States engagement—from the formal recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina on April 7, 1992, to the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement—and highlighted the enduring importance of U.S. support in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s post-conflict recovery and continued Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
