A new Canada Post stamp paying tribute to Sikh Canadian soldiers was unveiled Sunday at the 18th annual Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener.
The stamp, titled Private Singh, commemorates the service and sacrifices of Sikh Canadians who served in the nation’s armed forces, beginning with the First World War. The design features a Sikh Canadian soldier bowing in remembrance 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.
The name “Private Singh” was chosen to reflect the common Sikh surname meaning “lion” in Punjabi, symbolizing bravery and strength.
Remembering a Forgotten Hero
Sandeep Singh Brar, curator of SikhMuseum.com, played a key role in developing the stamp’s design and historical research.
“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 is one of courage and perseverance. During the First World War, only ten Sikhs were permitted to serve in the Canadian army. At 22 years old, Singh became the first Sikh to enlist in an Ontario regiment, serving with the 20th Canadian Infantry Battalion in France and Belgium.
He was wounded twice in battle and later contracted tuberculosis while recovering in a military hospital in Kitchener. Singh passed away in 1919 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. This discovery led to renewed attention, and eventually, the creation of the Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony, which has been held annually for 18 years.
Honouring the Past and Building Awareness
Brar shared that the Private Singh stamp honours both the historical and present-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,” he said.
The stamp stands as a reminder of the diversity that defines Canada’s history and the many communities whose contributions have shaped the nation’s identity.
“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 Tribute to Service and Sacrifice
The unveiling of the Private Singh stamp marks a significant moment of recognition for Sikh Canadian soldiers who served despite discrimination and barriers to enlistment. The ceremony in Kitchener serves as an enduring reminder of their courage, sacrifice, and legacy within Canada’s shared history.
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