CELEBRATING THE SIKH HOLIDAY VAISAKHI

On 2017-04-06, Representative Jim Costa (D-CA-21) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE SIKH HOLIDAY VAISAKHI" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE SIKH HOLIDAY VAISAKHI

Congressional Record, Volume 163 Issue 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017) [Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)] [House] [Pages H2758-H2759] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE SIKH HOLIDAY VAISAKHI (Mr. COSTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Sikh community in celebrating Vaisakhi. In the San Joaquin Valley, I have the honor and the privilege to represent many diverse ethnic communities that are part of the mosaic of America. The Sikh community is the American story, for they are the story of immigrants past and immigrants present that have come from all over the world to establish themselves as Americans and to build a better life for themselves and their family and add value to our country. So I am very proud, among so many ethnic groups, to be representing their interests here in our Nation's Capital. On April 14, Vaisakhi is recognized by the Sikhs around the world, including thousands in California's San Joaquin Valley. On Vaisakhi, the Sikh [[Page H2759]] community celebrates a new year and new beginnings. We honored the progress of the Sikh community that first came to California at the turn of the 20th century for their shared values, their family, their history, and the culture of Sikhism. This holiday also recognizes the best of what all cultures strive for, and it is time that we celebrate the common bonds that we share as Americans. Notwithstanding our differences, we know at the end of the day that bonds that we as Americans share are far stronger than whatever differences we may have. So I ask my colleagues to please join in celebrating this special tradition in the Sikh community. ____________________