PALATINE: The children of Gurmat School (Sunday School) of Sikh Religious Society (SRS) of Palatine Illinois held an Interfaith prayer and Candlelight Vigil on December 14, in observance of the one year anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut, where 20 first grade children and six adults were killed in 2012.
“The vigil was organized to show solidarity with American families against senseless violence, and to honor the little angels, 6 to 7 year old school children and heroes, the teachers of Sandy Hook Elementary,” said Rajinder Singh Mago, one of the event coordinators.
Despite snow and bitter cold weather, more than three hundred community members, neighbors, interfaith leaders, and government officials or their representatives congregated in the Palatine Gurdwara. Keertan (singing of hymns) was performed among others by Gurudwara children. A special prayer “Ardaas” was supplicated by Bhai Gurjant Singh.
Retired Lt. Brian Murphy the Hero of Oak Creek Wisconsin Police Department, the first responder to the Oak Creek Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shootings last year guest speaker. He was honored with a public service and bravery award plaque by the SRS president Sokhi Singh and board members.
The program at the Gurdwara congregation hall was conducted by State, Assistant State’s Attorney Cook County Illinois.
After the prayers and tributes, the candlelight vigil ceremony was held indoors at Langar hall due to snow and cold weather outside. Maneshwar Singh, a community youth and Loyola University student, conducted the proceedings, a moment of silence was held. The whole assembly shared langar (community kitchen vegetarian meal) thereafter.
Surendra Ullal
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