City of Aurora honors Sikh American contributions to community

During Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month, the City of Aurora honored its Sikh American community by presenting a proclamation to recognize their long-standing history in America and the present-day contributions of Sikhs to the country and local Chicago area communities.

Sahib Singh, a middle school student in Aurora, opened the Aurora City Council meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, emphasizing the closing of "one nation under God with liberty and justice for all."

The invocation was then led by Priest Mohinder Singh, head president of the Illinois Sikh Community Center.

Mayor Richard Irvin issued the proclamation, which was presented virtually last year, flanked by members of the local Sikh community, where he encouraged all "residents to take the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared experiences of Sikh Americans."

Dr. Paramjeet Kaur accepted the proclamation. She is a pediatrician affiliated with Aurora's Rush-Copley Medical Center.

Dr. Kaur expressed sincere gratitude for the declaration and its impact on combating what she called "an identity crisis" that Sikh Americans have experienced and the increasing number of hate crimes against Sikhs.

The Aurora City Council and community members in attendance gave the Sikhs a standing ovation.