Source: New York Daily News

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/local/story/136651p-121561c.html

On November 14, 2003 the New York Daily News reported that "Fauja Singh, a 92-year-old Sikh man who ran the New York City Marathon wearing his turban endured taunts of 'Hey, Osama Bin Laden' and 'Look at Saddam' along the 26-mile route. Fauja Singh had decided to run to educate the public about Sikhism, a religion founded in Punjab, India, in the 1500s... Yesterday, Singh was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor by the National Ethnic Coalition Organization, a group that advocates ethnic pride and tolerance. William Fugazy, the chairman of the coalition, said Singh is a symbol of racial tolerance, and his run helps bridge the gap created by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. 'He is the greatest inspiration,' said Fugazy, adding that Singh is the first non-American to receive the honor.""