The Manteca City Council have declared November Sikh American Month.

Sikhs have been part of the California economic and cultural fabric for 114 years and have served America in wars dating back to World War I.

They count farmers, businessmen, lawyers, doctors, teachers, and cither professionals among their ranks.

Some 40 percent of the nation’s 250,000 Sikh Americans reside in California.

The nation’s oldest Sikh temple is in Stockton and is now in its 102nd year of serving the faithful.

Congressman Tom McClintock has noted that perhaps no other religion embraces principles outline the United States Constitution as the Sikhs do.

The Manteca Sikh community has strived to become more high profile in recent years. They participate in Christmas and Fourth of July parades, conduct open houses, host a community day at a Manteca park, as well as participate in local political campaigns.