Sikhs remember six killed in shooting with Tribute to Departed Souls

OAK CREEK (WITI) -- Outside the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin on Sunday, August 4th, Sikhs offered information into the Sikh faith and its history, hoping to teach folks about the Sikh community, in an effort to eliminate violence and hatred. This, as the Sikh community continues to remember the six Sikh Temple members killed one year ago in a mass shooting at the Temple.

Before Sunday's Tribute to the Departed Souls program, worshippers and well-wishers stood in and around the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek on Sunday. A 48-hour prayer service ended around 10:30, but the Temple remained packed and prayers never ceased.

Inside the Gudwara on Sunday, Sikhs continued somber reflection, while outside, Sarwan Singh offered a history lesson to anyone who would listen.

"They fought in World War I and World War II and yet, in this country, people don't know because Sikh's contribution to World Wars is not being taught in high schools," Singh said.

Also on hand Sunday at the Temple was Valarie Kaur, a Californian, who last year, made a documentary about the Temple's response to an attack that claimed the lives of six worshippers.

"That determination to make sure the way they were responding to tragedy was through serving and loving all people, preventing hate and violence against all people is really the lasting lesson of Oak Creek," Kaur said.

At Kaur's side on Sunday was Kamal Saini. His mother, Paramjit Kaur was one of those lost on August 5th.

"I think they'd all be proud of us. From the Courthouse ceremony to (Saturday's) Chardi Kala 6K, to (Sunday's) ceremony and (Monday's) vigil, I believe they would be very proud of us," Saini said.

Proud of such a peaceful response, and in the words of Valarie Kaur, proud of the "relentless optimism" displayed over the last 12 months. On a personal level, Saini says the outreach has helped him grieve the loss of his mother.

"The more events you attend, the more you talk about it, a little bit at a time, it becomes reality that it really happened, so it definitely takes time," Saini said.

Saini's brother, Harpreet, testified last fall before a Senate committee about hate crimes against Sikhs.

Both brothers will attend an event Monday night at the Temple, calling for an end to violence.

A survivor of the Virginia Tech shooting, and the sister of a Sandy Hook victim are also scheduled to attend.