The news article and report by Avery Martinez were published in the online edition of Channel 4 on July 12, 2025.
A solemn anniversary bringing the largest Bosnian population outside the nation together in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – Almost everyone in the crowd wore a shirt reading “8,372″— the estimated number of dead and missing Bosniak Muslims in the Srebrenica massacre.
On the 30th anniversary of the only recognized European genocide since the Second World War, the large Bosnian population of St. Louis gathered outside Soldiers’ Memorial to honor their families.
“It means a lot, especially as a survivor to share my story,” Elvir Ahmetovic told First Alert 4. “To tell the world what happened. People were starving, killed on a daily basis. My family members were killed. My sister, my uncle, my grandfather.”
According to the United Nations, during the armed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1992 and 1995, Srebrenica was a town under Bosnian Muslim control.
It became a refuge, a shelter for thousands of Muslim refugees trying to escape the violence. The UN says that as the war ramped up, and the tensions between religious groups intensified, Bosnian Serbs were instructed to eliminate the Muslim population in Srebrenica.
It was in July of 1995 that thousands of Muslim boys and men were killed. That’s why this commemoration is being held Saturday morning — to mark the 30th anniversary.
Since that time, several of the organizers of the massacre have faced days in court; however, some Bosnians claim others have never been punished.
In 2001, the Serb commander for the Srebrenica area was convicted of aiding and abetting genocide. Over 20 people were indicted.
The organizers say they want this public event to honor the victims, and highlight the importance of peace, justice and unity among people.
This ceremony included a commemoration program — through survivor presentations — followed by a “March of Remembrance,” and then a gathering offering Bosnian culture, books and discussions.
Across the Atlantic — seven recently identified victims of the 1995 massacre — will be given a burial on the 11th. Some, according to the AP, were found in mass graves.
