CHICAGO, II: The Sikh community of Chicago area enthusiastically participated in the 4th of July parade on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago in celebrations of America’s 211th Independence Day.The Chicago Mayor Harold Washington was the parade Grand Marshall.
The theme of this year’s parade coordinated by the new world patriotism day coalition was “make the youth connection”.
The Sikh contingent organized by Sikh Religious Society of Chicago consisted of a float decorated in saffron colour and bearing red and blue signs of “Sikh Americans”. A large walking unit of Kesri Turbans and dupattas worn by Sikh men and women and children waved small U.S. flags in a spectacular display. Bhangra and Gidha dance teams of men and women in colorful costumes danced to the beat of a “Dhol” drawing enormous applause from the spectators. Over 150 strong Sikh contingent was the biggest in the parade and was led by the S.RS. President S. Amolak Singh Gidda, who exchanged greetings with the Mayor.
“Stars and Stripes” and “Nishan Sahib” flew side by side. The sky scrapers of downtown echoed with the slogans of “Bole So Nihal” and “Long Live America”. Local T.V. networks covered the event. The parade ended in Grant Park, where the Sikh participants had a picnic type luncheon and some recreation.
“Sikhs of Chicago have been participating in the 4th of July parade for a number of years now, we think it. very important to put up a great show because it brings valuable positive American media coverage for the Sikhs”, remarked Hardyal Singh Deol, one of the organizers.
“If the Americans frequently see a lot of heads wearing turbans on Michigan Avenue and also on their TVs, as part of the American mainstream, it is bound to reduce discrimination against turbans”, commented S. Harbhajan Singh Gakhal, “And also help the current petition drive to get the U.S. law amended so that the Sikh soldiers could wear turbans in U.S. armed forces”, added S. Lakhwant Singh Komal.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 31, 1987
