NEW ORLEANS, LA/Panjab Post
The American Sikh Council (ASC) made a significant impact at the American Legion National Convention, held at the New Orleans Convention Center from August 23 to 27, 2024. The event drew over 6,000 veterans from across the United States.
Local resident Zoravar Singh, known for his years of dedicated service, played a pivotal role in the success of the ASC exhibit. The convention featured more than 80 booths displaying a range of products and services, with a strong focus on veteran support.
The ASC’s exhibit highlighted the remarkable contributions of Sikh veterans in World War I and II—a facet of military history that has often been overlooked. The council has been working diligently to bring attention to the significant role of Sikh soldiers in both wars, aiming to reshape the narrative and recognize their sacrifices on a national scale.
During the five-day event, Zoravar Singh and Kavneet Singh engaged with attendees, distributing over 3,500 brochures and discussing various aspects of Sikh military history. The literature covered topics such as “Sikhs in World Wars,” “The Battle of Saragarhi,” “History of Sikh Americans,” and “The Sikh Turban,” among others. Several academic books detailing Sikh contributions to the Allied victory in the World Wars were also on display.
The direct interactions provided an effective platform for educating veterans about Sikh valor and the alignment of Sikh values with the principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. The exhibit also drew comparisons between Sikh teachings and American values, citing the parallel between Sikh founder Guru Nanak Sahib’s advocacy for freedom and the famous quote from Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty, or give me death.”
Many veterans expressed surprise and admiration upon learning about the scale of Sikh participation in historical conflicts, noting that Sikh soldiers’ sacrifices—over 83,000 killed and more than 109,000 wounded in World War I and II—are often unknown to the general public.
The ASC exhibit generated considerable interest and became a popular topic of conversation throughout the convention. Kavneet Singh was featured in a special video podcast by the American Legion Podcast Outpost, which will be aired soon.
The exhibit also prompted veterans to share their personal experiences with Sikh soldiers and appreciate the historical context provided. Photos from the booth were shared widely on social media, amplifying the visibility of Sikh contributions to a broader audience.
Overall, the ASC’s participation at the convention successfully highlighted the extraordinary legacy of Sikh American veterans and fostered greater awareness and appreciation for their role in American and global history.