Sikh community reflects on one year since mass shooting
OAK CREEK (WITI) -- The Sikh community came together on Monday, August 5th to remember six worshippers killed one year ago in a shooting on a sunny Sunday morning, as worship was beginning inside the Temple.
The day began with prayer and meditation inside the Temple. A program was planned for Monday night, including several speakers, like Mayor Tom Barrett, Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi, Carlee Soto (whose sister was killed in the Newtown shooting), family members of shooting victims, Elvin Daniel (whose sister was killed in the Azana Salon & Spa shooting), Colin Goddard (a Virginia Tech shooting survivor), Sam Granillo (a Columbine shooting survivor), and more.
"It has brought us even closer. It has showed us how strong our faith is, how strong our religion is and how strong this community is," Kamaljit Saini, the son of a shooting victim, said regarding August 5th, 2012.
On that day, emergency crews raced to the Temple on Howell Avenue after Wade Page opened fire on the Sikh Temple, killing six and injuring three -- including Brian Murphy, who was serving with the Oak Creek Police Department and was among the first to the scene.
One year later, a memorial sits outside the Temple, and the Sikh community has been hosting events to remember those killed -- including a 6K Chardi Kala Run/Walk on Saturday.
"Instead of focusing on the negative things, we’ve started to embrace the positive things. We’re trying to send a message that these kind of hate crimes and tragedies should not bring faith down or turn people against one another. No matter what color you are, what race you are, what religion you are -- we are one and we are stronger than ever," Saini said.
Raghuvinder Singh's father Punjab Singh was visiting from India when he was shot twice.
"He cannot move any part of his body. He cannot speak. He can answer you by double blinking his eyes," Raghuvinder Singh said.
Raghuvinder Singh's family moved from India to be at Punjab Singh's side.
On Monday night, Raghuvinder Singh will join with others -- letting folks know that one man's hate will not win.
The vigil is planned for 8:00 p.m. at the Temple, and is open to the public.