Next Lieutenant Anmol Narang, a second-era immigrant born and raised in Roswell, Ga, is the academy’s first observant Sikh, this means she follows religious procedures together with Kesh, which phone calls for allowing one’s hair to improve naturally without having chopping it.
“It is an outstanding experience,” Narang advised CNN. “It is a humbling encounter, I have never ever labored harder for everything in my life. Staying a Sikh lady is a pretty vital section of my identity and if my knowledge can participate in a small position in getting an inspiration for other individuals, regardless of job subject, that will be fantastic.”
Although other Sikhs have graduated from the academy, the Sikh Coalition has verified to CNN that Narang is the very first observant Sikh to have graduated from West Point.
The 23-calendar year-outdated graduate hopes that her endeavours to stand for her religion and neighborhood will encourage People to learn much more about the Sikh faith, the fifth largest religion in the globe.
Narang reported she made the decision to utilize to West Place to research nuclear engineering and pursue a career route in air protection programs after traveling to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii.
In 2017, eight a long time right after the Sikh Coalition began its marketing campaign to conclusion the US military’s ban on specific religious practices proscribing Sikh members, the Military up-to-date its principles governing religious liberties.
“I am immensely proud of (Next Lieutenant) Narang for seeing her purpose by and, in doing so, breaking a barrier for any Sikh American who wishes to serve,” reported US Military Captain Simratpal Singh in a statement. “The broader acceptance of Sikh provider members among all of the provider branches, as effectively as in best tier leadership spaces like West Position, will continue on to reward not just the rights of spiritual minority people, but the energy and range of the US navy.”
Graduates socially distanced 6 feet from one one more throughout the Simple Parade Discipline to accommodate Covid-19 general public health needs alternatively congregating at Michie Stadium, the ceremony’s traditional location. Household and pals ended up not allowed to attend the ceremony but could view it on line.
“This leading navy academy generates only the very best of the very best — the strongest of the strong — and the bravest of the courageous. West Place is a common symbol of American gallantry, loyalty, devotion, willpower, and skill,” Trump commenced his address, reading from a teleprompter.
“To the 1,107 who nowadays develop into the latest officers in the most remarkable Military ever to choose the subject of struggle, I am here to offer you America’s salute. Thank you for answering your nation’s get in touch with,” he included.
Narang will total her Primary Officer Management Class at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. She will then head to her first publishing in Okinawa, Japan in January 2021.
CNN’s Zachary Cohen and Caroline Kelly contributed to this report.