Recalling the liberation of Sarajevo from fascist occupation in April 1945, and honoring the city’s spirit of resilience and solidarity during the Siege of Sarajevo (1992–1996), the Sarajevo Security Conference bestows its Annual “Flame of Freedom” Award upon distinguished political, military, academic, and policy leaders whose professional and personal contributions have profoundly strengthened the cause of liberty, security, and solidarity within the transatlantic community and the Western Balkans.
Major General Matthew J. Van Wagenen, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations & Intelligence at SHAPE, received the inaugural “Flame of Freedom” Award at the third annual Sarajevo Security Conference in September 2025.
