Remembering those who died in Europe’s worst massacre since WWII
The sky is the limit quite literally for Bradford City Council’s commemorations of Srebrenica Memorial Week this year as the West Yorkshire authority fly the flag for genocide victims next month.
In what was the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War, 8,000 Bosnian Muslims – mostly men and boys, were killed in July 1995 during the Bosnian War.
A specially tailored flag, which bears the iconic Srebrenica flower and the words ‘Remember Srebrenica’ has been donated to Bradford Council from a Welsh flag maker for the week of remembrance commencing Sunday 5th July.
Swansea-based Charles Ashburner designed and manufactured the flag to mark the 20th year of the genocide which Windhill and Wrose councillor, Alex Ross-Shaw, called a ‘magnificent’ tribute.
He said: “I am delighted that Charles has generously donated this magnificent flag, which will look fantastic flying high in the heart of our city during Srebrenica Memorial Week.
“It will help to remind the people of Bradford about the atrocity 20 years ago.”
Working with Remembering Srebrenica – the UK charitable initiative which organises events across the country to keep alive the story of Srebrenica – councillors and community leaders from across West Yorkshire are planning a memorial event at the City Hall on Saturday 4th July.
Remembering Srebrenica Chairman, Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, said: “This year is the 20th anniversary of the genocide that occurred in Srebrenica – the single greatest atrocity committed on European soil since the Second World War and a brutal reminder of man’s inhumanity to man.
“Mr Ashburner’s generous gift to the city will help to raise awareness of Srebrenica among people in West Yorkshire.
“Our volunteers are working hard to inspire people to tackle hatred, build stronger, more cohesive communities and ensure Srebrenica is never forgotten.”
Remembering Srebrenica raises awareness of the genocide in the UK. It organises the UK Srebrenica Memorial Week, which leads up to the EU-wide day of remembrance for the victims of the genocide, Srebrenica Memorial Day, on 11th July.
