Sukhdev Singh Bainiwal, directors of one of the largest Sikh temple in North America, invites the public to a candlelight vigil Wednesday night, at 8 p.m. at the San Jose Sikh Gurdwara Temple, to honor the victims killed Sunday during a mass shooting in Wisconsin.
"Let's all come together as Americans to remember the tragic events at Sikh gurdwara in Wisconsin," said Bainiwal wrote in an email to Patch. "Let's pray for the victims and wellness of the injured."
Bainiwal, who on Sunday expressed sadness and shock with the news that
a gunman had killed at least six people at a Sikh worship house near
Milwaukee, said organizers plan to have a prayer inside the gurdwara's
main hall, word of condolences and then will walk outside by the flag
pole for candle-lighting.
The San Jose vigil is one of three being held in the Bay Area to honor
the victims who perished in the Milwaukee suburb of Oak Creek after
they were gunned down by Wade Michael Page, a U.S. Army reservist who
opened fire as Sikh devotees were preparing for their Sunday worship
services Sunday morning at about 10:30 a.m. Page also died during the
tragedy when he exchanged gunfire with police.
Via its Facebook page, the San Jose Gurdwara is raising money for the families of the victims. People can donate online via www.sikhgurdwarasj.org
The other vigils are planned at 7 p.m. at Lake Elizabeth, 40000 Paseo
Padre Parkway in Fremont and at 7 p.m. at the Gurdwara Sahib Temple in
Hayward, 1805 Hill Ave.
If possible, Bainiwal encourages the public to bring their candles to
the event, although the temple will have some at gurdwara sahib.
