|
Independence Day
in a Sikhi
Way
Dr. Amrik Singh
 CARMICHAEL:
Fourth of July is the most spectacular event in Americans' life. It
is a day of parades, barbeque, dance, and fireworks. Independence
Day night gives the impression of Diwali festival in
India.
The police departments make special arrangement to control
celebratory mood of
revelers.
Stars and Stripes adorn houses, cars, trucks and buses. War veterans
take out their medals, uniforms, and their vintage cars to take part
in the parade. Young drivers bring their specially customized cars
that can dance to the beat of music and do stunts to the amazement
of children. Families pack their food, drinks and folding chairs
early in the morning to occupy sidewalks to see floats passing by.
It is a great family and friendship time. The fervor for freedom is
so great that hardly anyone can remain untouched. So much
involvement is rarely seen on any other occasions.
Carmichael is a posh area of Sacramento County. The city had its
51st
Fourth July 2009
Parade. It covers a distance of about two kilometers.
About 200 floats participate. Belly Dance Club, Fitness Clubs, Fire
departments, Go Kart shows, Vintage cars, three-legged tractors of
yesteryears and hundreds of other floats charm citizens on
Independence Day. Sardara Singh Kalotia and Daljinder Singh own
Kaybee store on
Fair Oak Blvd. It is the route of Fourth July Parade. Inspired by
Sikh community's tradition of free food to people assembled for a
noble cause, they thought it was the right time to give back
something to the community. They planned to provide free soda, juice
and water to people for the Fourth July Parade. It involved
tremendous effort to arranging about 200 cases of cans and bottles
and serving them ice cold to people on both sides of the path of the
parade.
 2002
Fourth July Parade was Singh brothers' first and the most
challenging participation. The memory of 9/11 was so strong that
anything un-American created suspicion, fear and anger. Media in
2002 was dominated by Afghan militants whose link was traced to
attack on twin towers. Paranoia had seized many American who feared
another attack. A large section of people believed Sikhs were Arabs
and Talibans. Balbir Singh Sodhi was the first victim of such a
mindset.
Singh brothers' arranged banners and placards with messages "Sikhs
Love
America" "Stand Tall America" and "Sikhs Salute Our Veterans." for
the Parade. It had mixed response. Free drinks didn't right away
click. Some had unwelcome looks and others had confused
understanding of turbaned people serving free drinks. However,
children responded with a welcome note. That was the only
encouraging sign.
Subsequently Narinder Aujala of Diamond Club of California
collaborated with Singh brothers to do the community service. Club
members brought their children who enjoyed passing free soda, juice
and water. There was no better way to teach values of freedom and
benefits of community service for school goers. Singh brothers have
been showing their love for American Freedom since 2002. In seven
years, they have carved a niche for themselves in the
Carmichael
community.
With the joining of Diamond Club of California for the last three
years, they feel confident to serve Carmichael residents with more
enthusiasm.
8
July 2009
|
Read Also