The City Council of the City of Sarajevo, capital of of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen of the City of Sarajevo” to CSU Professor and Philosophy Department Chairperson David Pettigrew.
Others who also received the title were U.S. Congressmen Michael Ray (Mike) Turner and Matt Joseph and U.S. Senator Cynthia Jeanne Shaheen.
Pettigrew was honored, said the Council, for “his contribution to truth and justice regarding the events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly his efforts to preserve the memory of the victims of genocide and other war crimes, as well as his advocacy for the removal of symbols that glorify convicted war criminals.” Read more about Pettigrew’s efforts.
Past recipients of the title include opera singer Luciano Pavarotti, former President of France Jacques Chirac, American actress Angelina Jolie, and British musician Bruce Dickinson.
The awards will be presented on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Statehood Day, November 25.
Read the full story, “Sarajevo city council grants ‘Honorary Citizen’ titles to US lawmakers and professor on N1 (CNN affiliate)
Read “City Council Decides to Award Title of ‘Honorary Citizen of the City of Sarajevo'” (Sarajevo Times)
Update
Pettigrew received his honor in Sarajevo at a November 24 ceremony held at the historic city hall, “Vijećnica,” where Archduke Ferdinand gave his last speech in 1914. In addition to the presentations of the “Honorary Citizen of the City of Sarajevo” charters, the program included a lecture on Bosnia’s anti-fascist origins, two panel discussions about the meaning of Bosnia’s statehood day (Nov. 25) and two musical performances. The ceremony was presided over by the Mayor of Sarajevo, Samir Avdić. The chair of the Sarajevo City Council, Mr. Alen Girt, presented Pettigrew with the award, and then Pettigrew gave brief remarks.
The following day, Pettigrew was interviewed on BHT1, the same network that broadcast the ceremony.
