The Province

More than 2,000 Indo-Canadians packed Surrey’s largest Sikh temple, Dasmesh Darbar, to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces in a poignant tribute to mark Remembrance Day.

The event, organized by Harbinder Singh Sewak, publisher of The Post Group of newspapers, was the first of its kind held in a British Columbia Sikh temple.

Honourary Colonel Steven Millen (442 Squadron) was presented with a “saropa,” a blessed ceremonial scarf, as well as a ceremonial sword by temple president Gian Singh Gill.

Speaking to the congregation, Millen made special note of the contributions of Sikh soldiers in past conflicts such as World War I and II, as well as their ongoing contribution to military service in Canada.

Congregation members also collected and presented $2,500 in donations to military officials.