[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 123 (Thursday, September 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF THE SIX SIKH AMERICANS SLAIN ON AUGUST 5, 2012

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                          HON. JERRY McNERNEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2012

  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring the memory of the six Sikh Americans that were shot and 
killed in a senseless act of violence on August 5, 2012.
  Bhai Seeta Singh, Bhai Parkash Singh, Bhai Ranjit Singh, Satwant 
Singh Kaleka, Subegh Singh, and Parmjit Kaur Toor were slain without 
regard to human dignity or the sanctity of life. The people of my 
district and Americans across the Nation stand in solidarity with the 
Sikh community. Violence against any group is unacceptable, and I offer 
my prayers and condolences to the families of the victims in Wisconsin 
and to Sikhs everywhere.
  Hate, particularly hate speech, is all too common in today's world. 
The Sikh community's unified and peaceful response to this hateful 
attack demonstrates the resilient spirit of the Sikh people. They have 
shown the world their love of peace, and it is my hope that we can all 
learn from the Sikh community in the wake of this tragedy.
  In this great country, there is no room for the prejudice, 
intolerance and stereotypes that perpetuate hate acts and hate 
language. I stand beside the Sikh people as they continue to have the 
strength and dignity to be proud of their long heritage. To show such 
grace when faced with such a senseless act of violence is a true 
testament of their honorable culture.
  I had the unique privilege to stand vigil with the Sikh people from 
my district. To join together in the face of such animosity was an 
honor. I commend the Sikh community in my district and around the 
country for their courageous response.
  It is for these reasons that I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring the memory of the six Sikh Americans who were killed on August 
5, 2012.

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