[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 29, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H5944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING SIKH AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION MONTH

  (Mr. HARDER of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Sikh 
Awareness and Appreciation Month.
  Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world, with over 250,000 
Sikhs calling California home. The Sikh community has given so much to 
California and, in particular, to my district in San Joaquin County. In 
fact, the Sikh community helped build Stockton and San Joaquin County 
into what they are today. The very first gurdwara in the United States 
was founded in Stockton over 100 years ago.
  Sikh farmers, truck drivers, doctors, and business leaders have 
contributed so much to making our community what it is today. My wife, 
Pam, and our daughter, Lillian, are proud of their Indian heritage.
  The Sikh community has opened their arms to my family, sharing their 
traditions, warmth, and hospitality. I am eternally grateful.
  As November comes to an end, I hope we can all take some time to 
celebrate our Sikh loved ones and recommit to our shared values of 
equality, justice, and religious freedom.

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