Matsui Statement Ahead of Sacramento's American Sikh Day Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 12, 2011

CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163

Matsui Statement Ahead of Sacramento's American Sikh Day Celebration

CA Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) released the following statement on the eve of Sacramento's first annual celebration of American Sikh Day , which will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 13th, 2011:

Last month, our community, region, and nation was shocked and saddened by the violent attack of two Sikh men in Elk Grove. This attack is deplorable and the fact that it may have been based on the men's appearance and religious faith is especially appalling. Such hate has no place in our society and the Sacramento community's response has only brought us closer together.

I applaud the creation of Sacramento's first annual American Sikh Day event, and believe it will be a unique way to learn about a religion that has a history of community involvement. Only through such education can we erase the fear and the misunderstanding that is the root of hate. It is my hope that our community will come together on Wednesday to learn about and share in the Sikh culture, and to honor the history of religious freedom in our country.

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