Rochester, N.Y. - Different faces, skin colors, religious faiths were represented in the crowd that gathered at the Liberty Pole Sunday.But the dozens in attendance all shared a common bond.
“I feel that as part of the entire world community that we all have to stand together,” said supporter Rochelle Cresov.
They stood in solidarity with the Sikh community one week after Army veteran Wade Michael Page walked into a Sikh temple in Wisconsin, opened fire and killed six people and himself.
“It was unexpected, because relating to the 9/11 attack, it's been so long, I didn't expect something to happen now,” said Ajay Singh, a member of the Sikh community.
Singh hopes events like Sunday’s prayer vigil will educate more people about his faith and culture.
“Don't hate us for how we look,” Singh said. “Just because we have a beard and wear a turbin doesn't mean we're not Americans. We are Americans at heart. We love this country.”
Anne Tischer can identify with the pain a community can feel.
“As a lesbian and a member of a minority who's been discriminated against, I appreciated the acute pain of what it feels like to be targeted for who you are,” Tischer said.
Tischer says she's also learning a new meaning of acceptance.
“That's what this coming together does, it makes you look inside and say how can I make the world a better place, where's my part,” Tischer said.
The temple in Wisconsin where the shooting happened reopened Sunday with a traditional prayer service.
