Recognizing the Strength of Representation
Canada Post has unveiled a new commemorative stamp to honour the bravery and service of Sikh Canadian soldiers.of Sikh Canadian soldiers. The launch took place on Sunday during the 18th annual Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony at Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener.
The stamp, titled Private Singh, pays tribute to Sikh Canadians who served in the Canadian military dating back to the First World War. It features an illustration of a Sikh Canadian soldier bowing in respect at the grave of Private Buckam Singh, whose final resting place at Mount Hope Cemetery is the only known military grave of a Sikh soldier in Canada.
“Private Singh” was chosen to reflect the common Sikh surname meaning “lion” in Punjabi. The design symbolizes courage, service, and the enduring legacy of Sikh contributions to Canada’s military history.
Remembering a Legacy of Service
Sandeep Singh Brar, curator of SikhMuseum.com, collaborated with Canada Post on the design and historical research behind the stamp.
“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’s story stands as a testament to resilience. During the First World War, only ten Sikhs were allowed to enlist in the Canadian army. Singh became the first Sikh to join an Ontario regiment, serving in France and Belgium with the 20th Canadian Infantry Battalion.
He was wounded twice in combat and later contracted tuberculosis while recovering in a military hospital. Singh passed away in 1919 and was buried with full military honours at Mount Hope Cemetery.
For nearly a century, his grave went unrecognized until Brar discovered Singh’s war medal in a pawn shop in England. This discovery led to renewed awareness and the creation of the Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony, which has been held annually at Singh’s gravesite for 18 years.
Honouring the Past, Educating the Future
Brar noted that the Private Singh stamp honours both historical and modern contributions of Sikh Canadians in the armed forces.
“It does a brilliant job of celebrating Sikh soldiers in the Canadian Armed Forces today while paying homage to our history,” he said.
The stamp highlights Canada’s commitment to acknowledging diverse contributions within its military and national 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.”
A National Symbol of Recognition
The unveiling of the Private Singh stamp represents a significant moment of remembrance and inclusion. It honours the Sikh community’s long-standing service to Canada and underscores the importance of diversity in shaping the nation’s shared story.
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