STOCKTON CA: The Sikhs of San Joaquin County bid a fond farewell to Hon. Congressman Norman D. Shumway, who was described as a “true and noble friend of the Sikhs”. Mr. Shumway retires after 12 years of dedicated service to the people in the US Congress.
At a simple function on Saturday in the sprawling Lodi home of Dr and Mrs Jasbir Gill over 150 prominent Sikhs of the area gathered to meet Mr Shumway, Mr and Mrs John Dolittle and Dr Robert Westafer. Mr Dolittle will in all probability replace Mr Shumway in Congress and Dr Westafer is running for the State Senate. S Gurcharan Singh Dhillon, WSS.O president, thanked Mr Shumway for his support to the Sikh cause both in and outside the US Congress. He said he was sure Mr Dolittle would carry on the good work as he had the same convictions and dedication as Mr Shumway. Mr Dolittle, he said would take this great nation to greater heights. For peace, S Dhillon said we need to be strong. John Dolittle would stand by the great American values of liberty and freedom and would oppose oppression and abuse of human rights, he said.
He hoped Mr Norman Shumway had not retired for good but would one day run for Governor of California and then for the White House. He also said that the State department needs to realise that someday soon Khalistan would be a reality and that this nation could be the closest US ally.
Mr. Khalid Jafri of the Islamic Center of Stockton and the Sikh Muslim Friendship Society thanked Mr Shumway and pledged support to Mr Dolittle.
Dr Gurinder S Grewal, president of World Sikh News, said it was a sad day for Sikhs as they were losing a good friend in Congress but said another good friend in Mr Dolittle would almost certainly replace him.
A Kirpan was presented to Mr Shumway by Dr Dhillon on behalf of the WSO. Three plaques were also presented by Dr Gill from the Sikh community of San Joaquin County, Mr and Mrs Narinder S Somal on behalf of the World Sikh News and one from the Islamic Center of Stockton was presented by Mr Khalid Jafri and Dr Asma Jafri.
Dr Westafer spoke of the urgent need to address various ills in the country’s health care system. He also said the drug problem must be checked before it overtook the world.
Drs Gill, the hosts were much appreciated for their hospitality.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 5, 1990
