A new Canada Post stamp paying tribute to Sikh Canadian soldiers was unveiled on Sunday at The 18th Annual Sikh Remembrance Day Ceremony at Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener.
The stamp recognizes the service and contributions of Sikh soldiers in the Canadian military dating back to the First World War. The design features a Sikh Canadian soldier bowing in remembrance at the grave of Private Buckam Singh, a First World War veteran whose resting place at Mount Hope Cemetery is the only known military grave of a Sikh soldier in Canada.
Titled Private Singh, the stamp reflects the common Sikh surname meaning “lion” in Punjabi. It was created to honour both the historical and ongoing contributions of Sikh Canadians in the armed forces.
Remembering a Forgotten Story
Sandeep Singh Brar, curator of SikhMuseum.com, worked closely with Canada Post on the project, providing historical materials and input on the illustration.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for all Canadians to learn about a part of Canadian history that we may not be aware of,” Brar said.
Private Buckam Singh was one of only ten Sikh Canadians permitted to serve in the army during the First World War. At just 22 years old, he became the first Sikh to enlist in an Ontario regiment, serving with the 20th Canadian Infantry Battalion in France and Belgium.
Singh was wounded twice in battle and later contracted tuberculosis while recovering from his injuries. He died in 1919 at a military hospital in Kitchener and was buried with full military honours.
For nearly a century, Singh’s grave remained unrecognized until Brar discovered his war medal in a pawn shop in England. That discovery led him to Mount Hope Cemetery and inspired the creation of the Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony, which has been held annually at Singh’s grave for 18 years.
A National Tribute
The Private Singh stamp represents both the historical legacy and modern-day service of Sikh Canadians in the military.
“It does a brilliant job of celebrating Sikh soldiers in the Canadian Armed Forces today while paying homage to our history,” Brar said.
The initiative reflects Canada’s ongoing recognition of the many communities that have contributed to the nation’s military and cultural history.
“Our history is a contribution of so many different communities,” Brar added. “Not only to our general history, but also our military as well.”
Preserving History and Promoting Awareness
The Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony continues to grow in significance, providing a space for Canadians to reflect on the sacrifices of Sikh soldiers who served despite discrimination and barriers to enlistment.
Thousands of Sikhs attempted to join the Canadian military during the First World War but were denied based on race and ethnicity. Those who did serve, like Private Singh, helped pave the way for greater inclusion in the armed forces and Canadian society.
The new Canada Post stamp serves as both a historical tribute and a symbol of progress recognizing the courage of Sikh Canadian soldiers and their enduring impact on Canada’s story.
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