Canada Post honors the service of Sikh soldiers with a stamp issued Nov. 3
Canada Post has unveiled its annual Remembrance Day stamp, which honors the contribution of Sikh soldiers during both world wars. The stamp features an illustration of Private Buckam Singh, the youngest Canadian Sikh soldier to enlist in World War I, alongside his grave located in Kitchener, Ontario. This significant release coincided with the annual Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony, highlighting the stories of over a quarter million Sikh soldiers who served valiantly despite facing discrimination that often barred them from enlisting.
The stamp, sold in booklets of six and a souvenir sheet of five, showcases the text “Private Singh” in English, French, and Punjabi, broadening the recognition of Sikh soldiers as most shared the surname Singh, symbolizing equality. This initiative not only memorializes the sacrifices made by individuals like Singh, who died in 1919 after serving and sustaining injuries in Europe, but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication of Sikh soldiers who faced significant adversity.
For collectors, the stamp offers an opportunity to commemorate a pivotal yet often overlooked aspect of Canadian military history. Notably, Canada Post’s first-day covers feature images from the Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony, along with Singh’s Victory Medal, making it a meaningful addition to any philatelic collection.