According to the Times of India, 41 U.S. Representatives have signed a letter urging Defense Secretary Robert Gates to allow service personnel of the Sikh faith to serve in the Army without having to abandon their turbans and other necessary religious articles.
In their letter to Gates, the lawmakers say: "We do not believe that any American should have to choose between his religion and service to our country, and urge you to take all necessary steps to ensure that these two officers – and other Sikhs that may wish to serve – are able to maintain their articles of faith.
"Including Sikh Americans will enrich the military's understanding of diverse cultures, languages, and religions, thereby allowing us to fully appreciate not only the rich fabric of our own country but also the lands where we send our soldiers into harm's way."
41 falls just short of the 50 lawmakers the Sikh Coalition set as a goal for its Army Campaign. In June, three Representatives sent a letter urging the inclusion of Sikh Americans into military service.
Any readers who have a copy of the newer letter, however, I would love to see it! My Google powers seem to be failing me. Send it along:
don.byrd – at – comcast.net
