[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17826-17827]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING SIKH AMERICAN AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2010

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Sikh American 
community on the occasion of Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation 
Month which is celebrated in November.
  For over a century, California's Central Valley has boasted a 
flourishing concentration of Sikh Americans, sharing a rich history, 
mutual understanding, and shared principles. In 1912, the first Sikh 
Gudwara in the United States was established in Stockton, California as 
Sikh Americans settled in the region, coming to labor in agricultural 
and railroad pursuits. Over the years, Sikh Americans have found many 
successes as over 700,000 have made their homes across our nation.
  From serving as Members of Congress, such as Dalip Singh Saund did 
for three terms, to Mayors of California cities such as San Joaquin, 
Sikh Americans have quickly become an active force in American public 
policy. When leading industry positions in agriculture, small business, 
and medicine, Sikh Americans bring a distinctive pride to many 
endeavors, and an unparalleled work ethic.
  On the first Sunday of each November Sikh Americans throughout our 
nation celebrate the coronation day of Sikh Scripture as Guru Gaddi 
Divas with parades and festivals. As we strive to appreciate the 
vibrant diversity and contributions of all religions and cultures in 
our nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Sikh 
American community as they celebrate Sikh American Awareness and 
Appreciation Month this November.

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