Canada Post has issued a new Remembrance Day stamp that pays tribute to Sikh soldiers who served in the Canadian military, highlighting the remarkable story of Private Buckam Singh — one of the first Sikh Canadians to enlist during the First World War.
Unveiled at the annual Sikh Remembrance Day Ceremony in Kitchener, Ont., on Nov. 2, the stamp depicts a Canadian Sikh soldier paying his respects before the grave of Private Singh, whose resting place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener is the only known military grave in Canada belonging to a Sikh soldier from the world wars.
According to Canada Post, more than 250,000 Sikh soldiers served for Britain and its allies during the two world wars. In Canada, however, discrimination initially barred many Sikhs from enlisting. Only 10 broke that barrier in the First World War—most fighting with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Europe, including eight who joined before conscription.
Born in Punjab, Private Singh came to Canada as a young man and enlisted at age 22. He was wounded twice in combat, later contracted tuberculosis, and died in 1919. His courage and sacrifice have come to symbolize the perseverance of Sikh Canadians who helped pave the way toward a more inclusive country.
Designed by Larry Burke and Anna Stredulinsky of Burke & Burke, with illustration by Parm Singh, the stamp shows a soldier in reflection beside Singh’s headstone. The background illustration is based on his grave site, which also serves as the stamp’s cancel location.
The new issue is available at canadapost.ca and at postal outlets across the country. The Poppy Design featured on the stamp is a registered trademark of the Royal Canadian Legion, used under licence.
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