IV 

116TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 680 

Recognizing the historical, cultural, and religious significance of the 550th 

birthday of Guru Nanak and the contributions and sacrifices made by 

Sikhs of the United States. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

NOVEMBER 8, 2019 

Mr. PENCE (for himself, Mr. VISCLOSKY, Mr. BANKS, Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, and Mr. BAIRD) submitted the following 

resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the historical, cultural, and religious significance 

of the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak and the contributions and sacrifices made by Sikhs of the United States. 

Whereas Sikhs have been living in the United States for more 

than 120 years; 

Whereas, during the early 20th Century, thousands of Sikhs 

of the United States worked on farms, in lumber mills 

and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific, and Eastern Railroad; 

Whereas Sikhism is a monotheistic religion and the fifth largest religion in the world, with— 

(1) more than 25,000,000 Sikhs worldwide; and 

(2) almost 1,000,000 Sikhs in the United States; 


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•HRES 680 IH 

Whereas 2019 is the year of the 550th birthday of Guru 

Nanak, the first of 10 gurus and founders of Sikhism; 

Whereas the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak— 

(1) is one of the most important dates on the Sikh 

calendar; and 

(2) is celebrated across the United States and worldwide; 

Whereas Vaisakhi, which is one of the most historically significant days of the year for Sikhs— 

(1) is celebrated on April 14; and 

(2) is the day on which Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 

10th Guru of Sikhism, created the Warrior Saint tradition of the volunteer soldier known as ‘‘Khalsa’’; 

Whereas the Sikh place of worship is known as Gurdwara 

Sahib, and there are more than 500 Gurdwaras Sahib 

across the United States; 

Whereas a hallmark of Sikh values and tradition is the community kitchen in every Gurdwara, known as the 

‘‘Langar’’, where food is served, free of charge, to all visitors to the Gurdwara regardless of faith, religion, or 

background; 

Whereas Sikh men and women have contributed to the society of the United States since the initial arrival of Sikhs 

in the United States in the late 1800s; 

Whereas Sikhs of the United States pursue diverse professions that add to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, including— 

(1) by serving as members of the Armed Forces; and 

(2) by making significant contributions to agriculture, information technology, other technology, small 


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•HRES 680 IH 

businesses, the hospitality industry, trucking, and medicine; 

Whereas Sikhs of the United States served in the United 

States military during the World Wars; 

Whereas Sikhs stand for— 

(1) equality of gender; 

(2) equality of race; and 

(3) freedom of faith; 

Whereas Hoosier Sikhs are one of the fastest growing business communities in Indiana; 

Whereas Sikhs of the United States distinguish themselves by 

fostering respect among all people through faith and 

service; 

Whereas Sikhism preaches a message of devotion, truthful 

living, equality of mankind, and social justice; 

Whereas the House of Representatives is committed to providing education to the people of the United States 

about— 

(1) the religions of the world; 

(2) the value of religious diversity; 

(3) tolerance grounded in the principles of the First 

Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; 

(4) a culture of mutual understanding; and 

(5) the importance of reducing violence; and 

Whereas the House of Representatives seeks to further diversity in the House of Representatives community and afford all people of the United States the opportunity to 

better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared experiences of Sikhs of the United 

States: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 


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•HRES 680 IH 

1 (1) recognizes— 

2 (A) the historical, cultural, and religious 

3 significance of the 550th birthday of Guru 

4 Nanak; 

5 (B) the contributions and sacrifices made 

6 by Sikhs of the United States; and 

7 (C) the discrimination that Sikhs of the 

8 United States have faced in the United States 

9 and around the world; and 

10 (2) expresses respect for all Sikhs who practice 

11 their faith. 

Æ 


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