As in 2009 and in 2010, the White House will be holding a special ceremony on Friday to commemorate the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith, born in 1469. Manmeet Singh Grewal, from Modesto, California, is among 150 Sikhs who have been invited to attend:

“For me, it’s an honor,” Grewal said Wednesday morning. “Furthermore, it’s a honor for the entire Sikh community.”

…What will he say if he has a chance to speak to the president?”I would just thank him, not only on behalf of our community but on behalf of the entire nation,” Grewal said. “I think he’s going out of his way to acknowledge freedom is upheld.”

This ceremony follows the President’s statement last week to recognize the birth of Guru Nanak.