All four of the sites discussed here were created to commemorate those who lost their lives during the Balkan Wars of the 1990s. Yet, each is distinct not only in subject, but also in form and location. Thus, the question becomes: is one better than another?
No.
The difference in location, form, and subject are all vital to truly remembering the tragedy of the past. The Sarajevo Roses are a reminder of the constant fear felt in the city throughout the siege. The Tunnel of Hope and Park of Friendship are easily accessible testaments to the longest siege in modern history. Srebrenica is a necessary reminder of the capacity that humans have for evil. The urban setting allows for daily commemoration of those who lost their lives, the suburban setting creates an easily accessible space to reminisce on the tragedy of the war, and the rural setting allows room for a fitting memorial to the horror of genocide. Each serves a different function, and each is necessary to encompass the sheer scope of war.
In order to remember and embrace our past, we must be able to confront it on multiple levels. The daily reminder of the past keeps our history present. Easy access to important sites of memory is necessary for the education of the next generation, so that history is never forgotten. Finally, the scale of rural monuments ensures that we are able to remember the scope of our history.
Bosnian War Remembrance 