PALATINE, Ill. (CBS)–Some members of the Chicago-area Sikh community came together Monday to collectively move forward after this weekend’s fatal shooting at a suburban Milwaukee temple.

The sun shined bright over the Sikh temple as members and non-members gathered to pray.

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But the horror of the Oak Creek, Wisc. shootings, in which six temple members were shot, offers a chance to teach people about the Sikh faith.

“We’ve always been a part of the community for over 100 years, and we’re Americans just as much as anyone else,” another Sikh community member, Madhu Kaur, said.

Ravi Singh, a young doctor raised in Chicago, wants nothing more than to teach anyone who will listen about a faith based in peace.

“We’re part of the great fabric of the society here. We are just like every other member of the United States,” Singh said. “We’re physicians, we’re farmers, we’re cab drivers, we’re restaurant owners. We’re Bears fans, we’re Bulls fans, we’re Lakers fans.”

But Monday was about forgetting differences and bonding as one, whether by candle, bouquet or a warm embrace.

Many Sikhs at the Palatine vigil praised Oak Creek Police Lt. Brian Murphy for his heroism. They say by confronting the gunman, he prevented what could have been an even worse tragedy.

Other vigils were held in Wheaton and in Wisconsin, near Oak Creek.