About Us

The Sikh Turban and the Stars and Stripes: Values in Common

The Stars & Stripes: A symbol of freedom, standing for liberty and justice.
The Sikh Turban: A symbol of dignity also standing for freedom, liberty and justice.

As Columbus was discovering America, a man named Nanak walked the Indian sub-
continent teaching the principles of equality, religious tolerance and the right of every
human being to live freely. Nanak became known as the first ‘Guru’ or ‘Divine
Teacher’ of the Sikhs, the word ‘Sikh’ meaning ‘Seeker of Truth.’

For the next two hundred years, Guru Nanak’s followers developed their own society
in India, accepting people from different backgrounds, ethnicities and faiths. With a
strong work and community ethic, the Sikhs worked together to build a prosperous
life for themselves and their neighbors.

By 1776 when the American forefathers were fighting for the right of self-
determination, the ninth Sikh Guru, Teg Bahadur, sacrificed himself in India to protect
the rights of other faiths to worship freely. His son, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru
Gobind Singh, continued to fight for the rights of the people in India to live, worship
and earn their own living. Guru Gobind Singh trained his Sikhs as leaders and
instilled in them the duty of protecting the weak. The Sikhs stood for the right of
people to own property free and clear of bondage, without having to bow down to any
other person.

Why the turban?

Sikhs have often been called ‘the world’s most visible minority.’ Today, and for the
last 500 years, Sikhs around the world have worn the turban as a distinctive
identifying mark. The turban symbolizes their commitment to living the Sikh values of
humanity, service and leadership in both their public and private lives. It stands for
their willingness to be held accountable so that their character and actions meet the
standards set by the founders of their faith. In short, the Sikh turban represents trust,
faith and a person who is always willing and ready to put oneself forward to serve the
community’s needs. Just about everyone who wears a turban in the United States is
a Sikh.

Wearing a turban is an ancient practice associated with leadership, courage and
purity of heart. The turban is mentioned in the Old Testament in relation to these
values:

“I had dressed myself in righteousness like a garment, justice for me was a cloak
and turban. I was eyes for the blind and feet for the lame.” Job: 29:14.

“Now Joshua was dressed in dirty clothes as he stood before the angel of God. The
angel said these words to those who stood before him. ‘Take off his dirty clothes,
clothe him in splendid robes of state and put a clean turban on his head.’ They put a
clean turban on his head. The angel said, ‘I have taken away your iniquity from you.’”
Zachariah 3: 4-9.

In ancient times, turbans were worn by people of many cultures and faiths, but the
meaning of the turban was one of devotion, commitment to purity and living a noble
life. Guru Nanak wore a turban and asked his followers to do so.

Guru Gobind Singh created a mandatory dress code for the Sikhs that included
wearing a turban and keeping a beard. He said, “No Sikh of mine need hide. Instead,
people who see a Sikh will feel safe.”

Sikhs believe in:

One Creator

Being humble and maintaining a state of gratitude towards the Creator for all
that one is blessed with

Working hard and earning a living through one’s own effort

Tithing - sharing what you have earned with people less fortunate than
yourself

Protecting the rights of all people to worship as they choose

The value of family and providing a safe, nourishing environment for children

Fairness, justice and the right to protect the innocent and the weak

Education