Turbaned Sikhs Liberated Europe D Day 1944
Now Sikhs across Europe Gather to Liberate Turban in EuropeThousands of Sikhs will gather across Europe to voice their concerns with Challenges to the Sikh Turban in some parts of Europe. The Turban is an important and integral part of the Sikh identity. In recent years since the heightened security post 9/11, the Sikh Turban has become an easy target for many European officials. The gatherings will highlight concerns regarding ignorance and misunderstandings about the Sikh Identity.
D Day 25th September 2011
D Day is an abbreviation for Dastar Day (Dastar Punjabi word for Turban) is a Turban Awareness Day to be held at several European Capitals.
Thousands of Sikhs are expected in a simultaneous gathering organized by the Sikh Channel, a Europe wide TV Station on the SKY platform. Live Broadcast on the Sikh Channel of each Turban Awareness Gathering will take place from Madrid, London, Rome and Brussels.
In recent months, Sikhs in Italy in particular, have experienced difficulties at some Italian airports. They were asked to remove their turbans, with many Sikhs refusing to do so and missing their flights. Similarly, some Italian provinces require Sikhs to remove Turbans for driving licence photographs - again many Sikhs have not applied for driving licences to avoid the humiliation of having to have an identity picture without their turbans.
Sikhs in UK, in a show of support, will attend a Turban Awareness Gathering on 25th September 2011 at midday outside Houses of Parliament. In Rome, thousands of Sikhs will gather at the Piazza Montecitorion, Central Madrid, and Brussels.
This large scale and simultaneous gathering of Sikhs across Europe is a significant measure to highlight problems being encountered by Sikhs at airports in Europe and raise awareness of the Sikh Turban.
Also in attendance at this event will be: Pat McFadden MP, Italian Embassy officials, Celebrities from the Asian Music world and other leading figures from all Communities.
Information:
Dastar Awareness Gathering: All Sikhs requested to attend with Blue or White or Orange Turbans.
UK Sikhs:
House of Commons, Old Palace Yard SW1 midday – 5pm
Italian Sikhs:
Manifestation Roma, piazza montecitorio, Piazza navona 10am - 2pm
Germany/Belgium/Holland Sikhs
Brussels European Parliament :
Spanish/Portugal Sikhs
Central Madrid
Background to the Sikh War Contribution
By the advent of World War I, Sikhs in the British Indian Army totaled over 100,000, i.e. 20% of the British Indian Army. In the years to 1945, 14 Victoria Crosses were awarded to the Sikhs, a per capita record given the size of the Sikh Regiments.[70] In 2002, the names of all Sikh VC and George Cross winners were inscribed on the pavilion monument of the Memorial Gates[90] on Constitution Hill next to Buckingham palace, London.
During World War I, Sikh battalions fought in Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli and France. Six battalions of the Sikh Regiment were raised in World War II, and served at El Alamein and in Burma, Italy and Iraq, winning 27 battle honours.
Across the world, Sikhs are commemorated in Commonwealth cemeteries.
"In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded. 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."
—General Sir Frank Messervy
"British people are highly indebted and obliged to Sikhs for a long time. I know that within this century we needed their help twice [in two world wars] and they did help us very well. As a result of their timely help, we are today able to live with honour, dignity, and independence. In the war, they fought and died for us, wearing the turbans."
—Sir Winston Churchill
Coaches Travelling To Rome:
Flero Brescia Italy
Castelgomberto Vicenza
Sanbonifacio Verona
Arzignano Viceza
Cortenuova Bergamo Italy
Posiano Di Pordenone
Reggio Emilia
Coaches Travelling To London:
New South Gate
Hitchin
Slough
Barking
Seven Kings
Woolwich
South London
Birmingham
Wolverhampton
Derby
Leeds
