New York Congressman Joseph Crowley has proposed an amendment to the Defence Authorisation Bill in the House of Representatives to recognise the contribution of Sikh Americans to the war on terror.
The amendment, proposed by Crowley (Democrat- NY 7th District) on Wednesday, would honor the diversity of the men and women serving in the military. He specifically commended the contribution of specialist Uday Singh, the first Sikh American to die while fighting in Iraq.
"Specialist Singh joined the military because he believed in what the US represents and because he felt the strong desire to fight for the freedom we have here," Crowley said. "Diversity is an essential part of the strength of the armed forces, " he said.
The Crowley amendment was included in the en-bloc managers' amendment and the final bill was passed on Wednesday night.
Over 1,500 people of all nationalities in the armed forces have been killed while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
"At a time when racism and discrimination still exist, I feel it is especially important to take a moment to recognise and appreciate the contribution of Americans like Singh," Crowley said.
Crowley represents one of the most diverse districts in the country. He is a former co-chair of the Congressional caucus on India and Indian Americans.
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