Most of the People in Punjab do not know that their forefathers, the Sikhs have fought gallantry in Europe including Italy in the 2nd World War and played an important role for the liberation of Europe and paid heavy price for the freedom of mankind along with Allied forces as part of the forces of the Commonwealth. The total Allied casualties killed, wounded and missing were 312,000; of these, 42,000 of the killed belonged to the forces of the Commonwealth in Italy. Sikhs, Gorkhas, and Muslims, the traditional warriors have a great history in Italy during that terrible and painful period of war.

It is interesting to note that in Italy, Sikhs are living in large number (about 90,000) next to England in Europe and have established more than two dozen Gurdwara's there.

A tradition has been set up that every year on the November 11 (Armistice Day 11 November 1918), hundreds of Sikhs come from throughout Europe to Ieper to take part in the Poppy parade and pay homage's at Menon Gate, the national monument of World War-I in Belgium and at Hollebeke where a monument has been built by Belgium Government and inaugurated by 'Panj Piare' in memory of the Sikh soldiers to mark the celebration of peace on 2,3,4 of April 1999 dedicated to the 300 years of the birth of the Khalsa. Official invitations are being sent to Gurdwara's of Belgium, Holland and France every year. Last year a delegation of Sikhs working for the British Police also visited this place. Free meal (Langer) is also served on this occasion.

Graves (Samaads) are visited by the families of these soldiers from Punjab, Europe, Canada, USA, and Great Britain. Since 1999, on May 4, the liberation day of Holland, a strong delegation of Sikhs also pays respect in Amsterdam at the National Monument of 2nd World War at Dam square.

As you must be aware, in March 2004 a law was passed in France that bans conspicuous religious symbols and attire in the classroom. Under this law, Sikh schoolchildren are banned from wearing the Sikh turban. The same people who fought for the freedom of mankind and the world including France have been denied their right of freedom. They all died or were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world, and during shell fire, with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith. A Sikh's right to wear his articles of faith has been challenged in schools, the workplace, Prisons and other public places. Sikhs suffer increased harassment at airports because they wear the Turban. Sikhs can't have their photos with Turban on the Driving license, Identity Card including French Passport. Is not a shame on part of the French Government? Our forefathers did not give their lives that their children should suffer. This is a great unjustice and Sikhs throughout the World, especially in France are fighting a legal battle.

On 31 May 2006 Sikhs Lobby MEPs Against Turban Ban in France in the EU Parliament. And the fact that we cannot and will not ever compromise our faith.

The Sikhs came forward and had helped the Europeans at the time of grave crisis of World War I and II and gave their lives in thousands and in return we the Sikhs are only asking the free World to come forward and give due respect to our community and to our symbols of faith. Only then the sacrifices of our great forefathers, given for the freedom of mankind, will be worthwhile.

Bhupinder Singh Holland
Almere, 11 September 2006
The Netherlands