Delhi’s native 26-year-old Simran Lamba has become the first Sikh to join U.S. Army soldier in nearly three decades. He said on Wednesday that he is eager to move on to training as a combat medic and defend his new homeland on the battlefield.
He was granted the honour of carrying a red-white-and-blue unit colour flag as the 450 new soldiers paraded in a salute before 3,000 friends and family gathered in the stands.
The US Army policies since 1984 had effectively prevented Sikhs from enlisting by barring those items. But Lamba was granted a rare exception to wear turban and beard and keep his hair uncut because he has skills the Army wants – the Indian languages Hindi and Punjabi.
It may be recalled that before him, two Sikhs joined the Army as medical officers earlier thisyear. After his graduation ceremony from basic combat training, he says, “When the bullets begin flying, it doesn’t concern anyone what religion you are. I bleed the same colour,”
He also added that his black turban, full beard, unshorn hair and religious beliefs posed no problems during his 10 weeks of training.
“I am proud to be a Sikh, I’m proud to be a U.S. citizen, and proud to be a U.S. Army soldier,” he said.
Two hours before the graduation, Lamba also took his oath of citizenship along with a dozen other soldiers.
[Source]
