Residents of Ravenna, Italy, joined members of the Sikh community this week to commemorate the city’s liberation during World War II and honor Sikh soldiers who fought in the Allied campaign.
The 82nd anniversary ceremony began with an Ardas, a Sikh prayer for the well-being of humanity, led by Satnam Singh, secretary of the World Sikh Martyrs Memorial Committee. Participants then paid tribute at a memorial bearing the names of fallen soldiers.
Committee members Prithipal Singh and Jasvir Singh Dhanuale recalled the harsh weather the soldiers faced and their role in the fighting against German forces. Representatives of the Italian defense forces and mayors from several cities also recognized their service.
The mayor of Ravenna said Sikh soldiers had traveled thousands of miles to help liberate Italy. He noted that members of the Sikh community have continued to visit the memorials to honor them more than eight decades later.
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Ravinder Singh Bhau, Parminder Singh Gustala, Satwinder Singh and Kuljit Singh were among the committee members who paid tribute. The Novolara Gurdwara Committee provided langar, a community meal, for those attending the service.
Commemorations held in parts of northern Italy during August and September bring together local residents, members of the Indian diaspora and military representatives. The ceremonies include prayers, wreath-laying and other military traditions honoring those who died in the campaign.
