Skip to content

Balbir Singh Sodhi Multi-cache

This cache has been archived.

simpjkee: I don't really have any specific reason for archival other than to say that I'm kinda wanting to reduce (or at least modify) my geocaching footprint in the world. Not so much like an enviromental footprint......but more of a sociological footprint. In doing so, I've decided to phase out some of my caches. This is not to say that I don't want to play geocaching anymore, just that I don't want to play geocaching anymore as an owner in this location. I was always more fond of this cache than some of my others considering that the events surrounding the death of Balbir Singh Sodhi have played such a large role in mine and everybody else's life. In fact, I did not plan on archiving this cache until it disappeared. There is a realistic chance that I may decide to replace it and republish it in the future if someone doesn't put a cache here in the meantime.

Big thanks to everyone who visited. I appreciate it.

More
Hidden : 5/1/2009
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

There is nothing to find at the posted coords except Balbir Singh Sodhi's memorial.
The actual cache container is located at:

N 33 25.35"X"
W 111 39.57"Y"

To find "X" and "Y", visit Balbir Singh Sodhi's Memorial at the given coordinates.
"X" is the 3rd digit of Balbir Singh's birth year. "Y" is the 4th digit of Balbir Singh's birth year.
The final cache is less than 150 feet from the memorial.






On September 15th, 2001 (4 days after the 9-11 attacks), a confused individual took Balbir Singh Sodhi's life simply because of his appearance. The man committed the hate crime in a senseless attempt to retaliate against al-Qaeda and the Islamic extremists responsible for 9-11. Needless to say, Balbir Singh Sodhi was not a member of al-Qaeda nor an Islamic extremist. He was a patriotic American citizen who practiced the Sikh religion. He was an honorable man who represented everything that is good about the United States of America.

Balbir Singh Sodhi was born in 19XY, in Punjab, India, but resettled to California in 1989 to pursue the American dream and provide a better life for his family. Once in California, Balbir Singh tirelessly worked as a taxi cab driver in Los Angeles and San Francisco to provide for his family. After saving enough money, Balbir Singh relocated his family to Mesa, AZ and purchased the gas station at the posted coordinates. People who knew Balbir Singh describe him as a "quiet, gentle man" and children told stories of how he allowed them to buy candy even if they didn't have enough money.

Balbir Singh Sodhi, like so many of his fellow Americans, was distraught over the horrendous 9-11 attacks and on the morning of his death he went to Costco to purchase an American flag to display at his gas station. While leaving the store, he even stopped to donate $75 to the "9-11 Survivors Fund". Moments later, his life was senselessly taken from him as he was planting flowers in front of his business.

In the days following Balbir Singh's death, the outside of his business became a makeshift shrine featuring candles, letters of condolences, and flowers in an incredible showing of support from the Arizona community in which he was a welcome and loved member. Since then, a beautiful memorial was erected in his honor at the spot where he passed away.

Foremost, this cache is dedicated to Balbir Singh Sodhi and the entire Sodhi family. Additionally, this cache is dedicated to any person who formerly or presently is a victim of a hate crime or unjust discrimination based on race, nationality, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. Hate and discrimination have no place in our society.



Though permission for this cache has been granted by Balbir Singh Sodhi's son, nephew, and family friend (who manage and work at the family business), I request the utmost respect from my fellow geocachers while visiting Balbir Singh's memorial. Don't walk or stand on the tiled section of the memorial. Don't cross the chained off area. The memorial can easily be seen from the asphalt or the rocks outside the chains. Please show respect and use common sense.


Recommended Websites:
"Balbir Singh Sodhi Honored" Page on SikhNet.com
Letter From the U.S. Dept. of Justice to the Family of Balbir Singh Sodhi
Letter From Kofi Annan of the UN to the Sikh Community of Arizona at Balbir Singh Sodhi's Funeral

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

ABG va, ba, be haqre n ohfu.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)