AI Generated Summary
- The ceremony was held at the gravesite of Private Buckam Singh in Kitchener, Ontario — the only known military grave in Canada belonging to a Sikh soldier from the World Wars.
- Over the past 18 years, members of the Sikh community have gathered annually at Singh’s grave for a remembrance ceremony that serves as both a historical reflection and a celebration of diversity within Canada’s military legacy.
- As the ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths and the quiet reflection of those gathered, the small but powerful symbol of a stamp stood as a reminder.
In a poignant tribute to over a century of military service, Canada Post has released a new commemorative stamp dedicated to Sikh Canadian soldiers. The unveiling took place Sunday during the 18th annual Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony, a gathering deeply rooted in honouring both past sacrifices and present contributions made by Sikhs in the Canadian Armed Forces.
The ceremony was held at the gravesite of Private Buckam Singh in Kitchener, Ontario — the only known military grave in Canada belonging to a Sikh soldier from the World Wars. Singh, a trailblazer of courage and resilience, was one of just ten Sikh men permitted to enlist in the First World War. He served valiantly with the 20th Canadian Infantry Battalion on the battlefields of France and Belgium, sustaining injuries that ultimately led to his death in 1919. He was laid to rest with full military honours, though his story remained largely untold until recent years.
Over the past 18 years, members of the Sikh community have gathered annually at Singh’s grave for a remembrance ceremony that serves as both a historical reflection and a celebration of diversity within Canada’s military legacy. This year’s event drew members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, lawmakers, and civilians—all united in recognizing the lasting impact of Sikh soldiers.
Senator Baltej Singh Dhillon, a veteran advocate and the first RCMP officer in Canada permitted to wear a turban, spoke at the ceremony. He emphasized the significance of rediscovering stories like Singh’s:
“Private Buckam Singh’s grave was never lost, but it was not remembered. Today, we’re celebrating not only his sacrifice but also the enduring commitment of Sikh Canadians to this country.”
The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, was among the dignitaries present. She joined Sikh members of the Canadian Armed Forces to officially unveil the new stamp depicting Private Singh—a historic first for Canada Post.
Balraj Dhillon, speaking on behalf of the postal service, highlighted the broader significance of the release:
“This stamp speaks to the contributions that Sikhs have made and continue to make in the armed forces. It’s a tribute to their legacy—and a symbol of Canada’s inclusive spirit.”
Among the crowd, young attendees like Harsevak Singh found inspiration in the moment. “I feel like this is a safe place for me,” he said. “It’s great to see so many people supporting this community.”
Organizers echoed that sentiment, saying the event is not just a commemoration of sacrifice but also a reflection of Canada’s diverse history. “This is a mark of pride for us,” said Rupinder Kaur, one of the ceremony’s co-ordinators. “To see this recognition come from such a respected national institution is truly meaningful.”
As the ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths and the quiet reflection of those gathered, the small but powerful symbol of a stamp stood as a reminder: the stories of Private Singh and the Sikh soldiers who followed him are not only part of Sikh history — they are an integral chapter of Canada’s own.
