Nolan Hyman
UTICA, N.Y. — The Sebilj Monument project is close to completion, and the Bosnian American Community Association celebrated it at the annual fundraiser dinner Thursday night.
Joined by members of the community, the BACA recognized all the volunteers who put forth their effort and support into the project.
The night served as a thank you for all those who gave their support from the start.
“It’s humbling to finally recognize the people that have been tirelessly working and showing up, day in and day out, providing food,” said Kailey Sweet, the treasurer for BACA. “It’s really awarding to see the community coming together.”
Volunteers put countless hours into building a monument that stands as a lasting tribute to Bosnian heritage.
The monument will be a replica of the original Sebilj, a wooden fountain in Sarajevo.
And to match its style down to the finest detail, the replica in Utica was built with Bosnia-imported wood.
“It’s hard to put it into words… seeing the Sebilj back in Sarajevo… then being able to see it being recreated here with so many younger generations, older generations, all in between, I really can’t put the feeling into words. It’s incredible,” said Sweet.
The fountain will be operational, providing clean, free water to the entire community.
Sweet said the monument is set to be completed in a couple of weeks.
