"Memorial Day is the day when we take a pause to say thanks to those who gave their lives for the freedom we have." It’s a US federal holiday to remember men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Sikhs from Chicagoland (Illinois, USA) area have been participating in the Parade for last three years to highlight some of the many military accomplishments that Sikhs have had throughout the history of the western world, most notably in World War II where thousands fought and died for the British army against the Axis forces.
Sikh community also has it’s own float honoring Sikh veterans. The community carries flags, posters, banners and walking as a unit to honor and memorialize Sikh’s Contributions in different Wars.
Video excerpt from 2013 parade http://viewrz.com/video/memorial-day-parade-2013-sikh-community
Sikh Soldiers gallantly fought and sacrificed their lives for the success of the Allies in World Wars I & II being part of British-India Army bravely fighting for the allies in France, Belgium, Italy, Israel and many other battle fronts. In the two world wars, 83,005 Sikh soldiers died and 109,045 were wounded while fighting for the Allied forces.
S. Sarwan Singh who leads the American Sikh Community initiative says:
“Contribution of the Sikhs in both world wars is not being taught in any school in USA. This is one good opportunity for Sikh Community to educate the stories of our ancestors who fought in terrible conditions. We never though care about those families whose loved ones never came back. If we do not bring out their stories of our ancestors then who will? Sikh community's Identity has mistaken since 9/11. As a Sikh we claims that Sikhs have been living in USA, but not many people know about our Sikh Identity. It is sad to say that Sikhs are not working hard to maintain the Sikh identity, I truly believe that it is good opportunity to educate the Americans at grass root about Sikh identity and remembering our parents and grand parents for their sacrifices. As a Sikh I salute to their bravery that they fought on the land that did not belong to them. Without any personal cause, they fought with their heads high with their turbans on. Helmets were brought to them and asked to wear but no one wore. I truly believe that Sikhs living in USA should participate in USA national events. We got to make our adopted country so beautiful so that our generation to come feel proud of.”
Chicago's Memorial Day Parade honors all men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. It is one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation and it’s an honor for the Sikhs to be a part of the parade. There are such diverse participants and ages, high school Marching Bands, Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as many Veterans’ groups, thousands of JROTC students, and the military. When they see the American Sikh Community float honoring the Sikh participation in World Wars and Sikhs in uniform, onlookers are intrigued. Last year we had a Sikh in uniform and many wanted to take picture with the turbaned Sikh solider. “I remember the many salutes and positive comments locals made about us participating in the Parade”, says Jasvir Kaur, a longtime supporter of the American Sikh Community Memorial Day project. “Participating in Memorial Day events is a great way to remind our youth and show others the Sikh Saint Solider legacy and loyalty to truth and justice.”
Another participant Birender Singh shares that it was an amazing and exciting experience to participate in Memorial Day Parade at Chicago, Illinois (USA) where participants, viewers, bureaucrats, other representatives and media from far off places join to witness the great event. He adds that it was his first participation in 2013 parade where he held floats and banners of Sikh Soldiers who devoted their lives in World Wars.
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American Sikh Community is an organization dedicated to share contributions of Sikhs in World Wars and other wars/battles that have happened across the globe. https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Sikh-Community/450397421711225
More image collection @ http://www.srsofchicago.com/Page%203%20-%20Photos/Photo%20Gallery/2013%20Memorial%20Day%20Parade/Page%203%20-%20Memorial%20Day%20Parade%20May%2030,%202013.html
https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Sikh-Community/450397421711225?id=450397421711225&sk=photos_stream
American Sikh Community: Memorial Day Celebration partner
American Sikh Community is participating in Memorial Day parade in Chicago for the third time. Sikhs contribution in World Wars will be displayed on a float.
Saturday, May 24, 2014 11:00 AM
State St and Lake Street Chicago, IL
Also, the American Sikh Community has formed a partnership with the village of Schaumburg for the fourth time in remembering the Sikh Soldiers of World Wars. A documentary of Sikhs fighting during the World Wars will be shown at the following location.
Monday, May 26, 2014 10:45 AM
Saint Peter Church,
202 East Schaumberg Road, Schaumburg, IL. 60193
After the Memorial Day observance, all are cordially invited for refreshments.
http://www.americansikhcommunity.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Sikh-Community/450397421711225
For further information, please contact:
Sarwan Singh 224-628-5522, [email protected]
Thakar Singh Basati 847-736-6092, [email protected]
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| 2013 CHICAGO MEMORIAL DAY PARADE * COMPLETE PARADE * |