BURLINGTON CITY, July 14, 2004
By Bruce Martin
Burlington County Times
In a rainbow of saris, silks and turbans, 500 Sikhs marched through
town yesterday preaching brotherhood.
Some carried American flags, some twirled silver scimitars, but all
walked under the banner, "Recognize Ye All The Human Race As One."
"It's something different than we're used to, but we're the melting
pot. We need a little bit of cultural diversity," said Butch Kitz,
52, of Burlington Township, one of about 300 people who lined High Street
to watch the first Sikh American Day Parade.
"Seeing the Sikh and American flags together gave you a feeling
of harmony," said Burlington City's Lynn Petz, 48, sitting with
her husband and a half-dozen relatives.
"I'd like to see it grow and maybe someday we can achieve world
peace."
Peace for American Sikhs has become difficult since Sept. 11, 2001.
Often mistaken for radical Muslims because of their long beards and
dark skin, Sikhs have suffered hundreds of hate crimes across the nation.
Sikhism is a religion that believes in one God, hard work and generosity,
as well as the equality, freedom and justice undergirding America. Founded
in northern India in the 15th century, it is the world's fifth-largest
religion.
Yesterday's parade aimed at getting the word out that Sikhs are loyal
Americans. Hosted by the Khalsa Darbar Temple in Burlington Township,
the march brought out Sikhs from New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania,
New York, Washington D.C., and Canada.
Burlington City's central location and the welcome extended by its
mayor and City Council led to the town being chosen for the parade.
There were Sikh women in sari-and-scarf outfits of powder blue, emerald
green, white, pink, purple-and black and orange-and-brown.
Sikh men in white robes and purple turbans sat in the back of a pickup
truck, playing drums. Others wore all white as they marched alongside
an American flag.
Five more wore orange turbans over gold robes and white pants as they
carried yellow Sikh flags. Two blue-robed Sikhs twirled scimitars in
a martial-arts demonstration.
Still others rode on temple-themed floats announcing 2004 as the 300th,
400th, and 500th anniversaries of Sikh holy days.
Walking among the Sikhs were bandana-wearing city councilmen showing
their respect. The Burlington City High School marching band and a half-dozen
fire trucks joined in.
All along the route, Sikh youngsters handed out goodie bags and cold
drinks to an appreciative crowd.
Afterward, the Sikhs doled out Indian food on the promenade overlooking
the Delaware River.
"Everyone got together and put all their prejudices aside,"
said Simi Bajwa, 21, of Westampton. "I didn't think people would
be this accepting. They associate us with 9-11 and they shouldn't."
Her friend, Loveleen Hoondal, also was pleasantly surprised.
"I'm overjoyed - so happy," said Hoondal, 23, another Westampton
resident. "It's a blessing all of us can get along. It was just
love from the community."