Remembering Oak Creek tragedy – One Year Later

New York, NY (August 5, 2013): The Sikh Coalition has issued a statement remembering the victims of Oak Creek Gurdwara shootout. “One year ago today, a gunman attacked a Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, killing six worshippers and injuring several others”, a statement by the Sikh Coalition reads.

“As we honor those who lost their lives that day—Paramjit Kaur Saini, Sita Singh, Ranjit Singh, Prakash Singh, Suvegh Singh Khattra, and Satwant Singh Kaleka—and pray for the full recovery of those who were critically injured—Baba Punjab Singh, Bhai Santokh Singh, and Lt. Brian Murphy—we are proud that Sikh Americans nationwide have responded to this tragedy with open hearts and heads held high, consistent with the Sikh belief in Chardi Kala (eternal optimism)”the statement reads further.

“Inspired by the example of the Oak Creek community, which organized a Memorial Run/Walk to honor those who lost their lives at the Oak Creek Gurdwara last year, Sikh communities nationwide and California’s SEVA organization partnered with the Sikh Coalition on a National Day of Seva (Selfless Service) to pay tribute to the Oak Creek community”, it reads further.

“Detroit Sikhs partnered with Kids Against Hunger to package 20,000 meals for needy families; Houston Sikhs volunteered at a local library and partnered with Urban Harvest to clean a garden at a local elementary school; New York City Sikhs cleaned Morningside Park; and Sikhs in California’s Central Valley and Bay Area packaged and served food to the homeless”, it reads further.