Bosnian community marks 30 years since Srebrenica Genocide with memorial march

The march, which began at Circus Square Park, covered 8,372 steps, one for each life lost in the Srebrenica massacre. The event marked 30 years since Bosnian Serb forces overran the U.N.-designated safe zone in Srebrenica, separating men and boys from their families before executing them and burying their remains in mass graves. Thousands of victims are still being identified today.

Lead organizer Adela Muhic said the event is part of a continuing effort to raise awareness and combat genocide denial. Muhic, who lost her grandfathers and uncles in the massacre, said her family’s experience reflects the lasting impact of the tragedy on many Bosnians now living in south-central Kentucky.

“I never got the opportunity to meet my uncles or to meet my grandfathers,” she said. “By constantly organizing this event every year and helping raise awareness and pass proclamations and educate the community, that’s a way for me to make sure their memory lives on.”

Bowling Green is home to one of the largest Bosnian populations in the U.S., with Bosnian Americans making up roughly 10% of Warren County’s population.

This year’s march followed a major milestone for the community. In 2024, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a resolution officially designating July 11 as Srebrenica Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth, a recognition pushed by local advocates and sponsored by Local State Sen. Mike Wilson.

Organizers said the annual walk serves not only to honor the victims, but also to ensure that younger generations understand the history and significance of what took place.

“Our goal is to make sure that ‘never again’ means never again, for anyone, anywhere,” Muhic said.