Amrit Pa's video: American Sikh Rose Parade Float 2015

For the first time ever, January 1, 2015’s Rose Parade features a Sikh American float. The float highlights Sikh American values, our history in the United States, and over 125 years of contributions to American society. The Rose Parade is seen by over 50 million Americans every year! The float is a collaboration between United Sikh Mission, the lead sponsor, SikhLens, Khalsa Care Foundation, SALDEF, and other dedicated Sikhs around the country. Find the story and latest pictures on social media @SALDEF and on Facebook! Use the official hashtags and and/or . Send us your pictures and reactions as you watch the Rose Parade! About the Float & Sikh Americans Sikh Americans have been in the United States for over 125 years, first settling in California and the Pacific Northwest. The float pays tribute to this heritage and the community’s contributions to American society. The first structure on the float is of the Stockton Gurdwara, the first Sikh house of worship that was established in the United States, 102 years ago. The cornucopia and the locomotive represent Sikh Americans who were laborers and farmers in 1903, and many Sikh families continue to farm and manufacture in the United States today. Sikh Americans believe in the principles of one God, equality, freedom, and community service. A distinct religious community, observant Sikhs are distinguished by their articles of faith, including the dastaar (turban) and beard. Early Sikh American pioneers include Dalip Singh Saund, the first Asian American elected to Congress in 1957, and Bhagat Singh Thind, a US Army veteran who challenged laws barring Asians from citizenship in 1923. Today, there are over 700,000 Sikhs in the United States.