Toronto:
Canada has honoured Sikh soldiers who fought in the Korean war in the 1950's as part of a UN mission during a Veterans' Week ceremony in Toronto.
Canadian MP of Sikh-origin Parm Gill honoured Sikh soldiers who took part in the conflict in the Korean Peninsula at the function hosted yesterday by the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada.
Appreciating the efforts and contribution of the Sikhs, Minister of Veterans Affairs Julian Fantino said, "Our Government values and honours the contributions, accomplishments and sacrifices of all Veterans, including Sikh-Canadians who served with bravery and distinction in times of war, conflict and peace".
"During Veterans' Week, we pay tribute to all Canadian Veterans and continue to honour those who serve our country today in areas of conflict," Fantino said.
There were a number of Sikhs serving in the Canadian forces which joined units from India, the UK, Australia and New Zealand in mid-February 1951 to stop the advance of Communist North-Korea into the south of the peninsula.
At least 516 Canadians lost their life in the conflict which ended in an armistice in July 1953.