Sikh temple marks a week since shooting

OAK CREEK, Wis. — Hundreds of people gathered at a Sikh temple in suburban Milwaukee to speak of unity, strength and rebirth during the first Sunday service there since a gunman killed six people and critically wounded three more before fatally shooting himself.

The service capped a weekend of events meant to honor the victims and restore the temple as a place of worship. Although there were tears and reddened eyes, many participants said healing was underway.

Visitors removed their shoes outside and filed past portraits of the victims, shuffling down a flower-lined aisle into the main prayer room. They dropped dollar bills in front of a shrine where their holy book sits and bowed. Then they sat on the floor — women on the left, men on the right — their heads covered with scarves, and listened as a priest recited religious hymns.

PHOTOS: Gunman opens fire at Sikh temple

Those at Sunday's service included Sikhs from as far away as California, as well as about 50 from Cleveland, who chartered a bus to make the eight-hour drive to support their community.

"It's an emotional day, but it's getting better," said Justice Khalsa, 41, of Milwaukee, who visits the temple three or four days a week. "I'm smiling and laughing now, but once this group goes away and we're back to our regular schedule, it will be haunting, I'm sure."

The proceedings began in the parking lot with a nishan sahib, or a ceremony in which participants clean a Sikh flagpole to symbolize the temple's rebirth.

Women sang hymns as a group lowered the pole. About 50 people, mostly men and boys, unwrapped a faded orange cloth that covered the pole, washed the pole with water and milk and then rewrapped it with a darker orange cloth. The group then filed inside the temple for more prayers and hymns.

PHOTOS: Gunman opens fire at Sikh temple