America
2012 Wisconsin gurdwara shooting commemorated in 18 US cities
Washington/New Delhi, Aug 3
A US-based Sikh
organisation observed an annual day of seva (service) across 18 cities
to comemorate the 2012 Wisconsin gurdwara shooting.
Six people
were shot dead at the Oak Creek city gurdwara in Milwaukee county,
Wisconsin, on August 5, 2012. The gunman was later killed and the
incident was deemed a hate crime.
The Sikh Coalition -- a
community-based organisation that works toward the realisation of civil
and human rights -- organised the commemoration on Sunday.
"When
a tragedy like this occurs, the Sikh community feels the pain and
suffering that comes from an attack born of hate. We want people to see
that this type of attack is not just an attack against one community, it
is an attack against all of us," Harjit Kaur, the seva coordinator,
told IANS.
"The anguish we felt after the Oak Creek Massacre has since transformed into a call for action to end hate," she added.
The coalition organised the "Chardhi Kala 6K Memorial Walk and Run" in Oak Creek on Sunday.
"The
Sikh spirit of chardi kala or eternal optimism inspires Sikhs to stay
strong even in the face of hate," Jasvir Singh, participant in Detroit's
Day of Seva event, said.
"It is what motivates us to combat hate
with love and seva, to remain positive and to keep working toward a
tomorrow that recognises all beings as one human race. This feeling is
ingrained in our seva," Singh added.
The organisation also took up the annual Morning Side Park clean up in New York city.
"Our
annual park clean up in New York has been an incredible pleasure over
the past two years. It is always heartening to have bystanders stop and
ask about our motivation for the 'Day of Seva' and strive to learn more
about Sikhism," Satjeet Kaur, director of development and communications
for the Sikh Coalition, informed.
"Seeing others' eagerness to
join in the service we are doing demonstrates that seva is a great way
to engage both Sikhs and non-Sikhs across the country," she noted.