Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews paid a visit to a Sikh temple to meet worshippers and share in their experience of prayer.
Mr Matthews was welcomed to Gurdwara Shri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji in Leicester to meet with members of the Sikh community where he enjoyed a tour of the temple and observed worship before sharing conversation over a cup of chi and samosas.
Much of the discussion focused around an ambitious community project to establish a memorial to all the Sikh soldiers who served and fought in both World Wars.
The initiative started in 2014 – ahead of the centenary of The Great War.
A location for the new monument and the design is yet to be finalised, however, there is much support and excitement for the fruition of the project.
It is hoped by all that a memorial for Sikh soldiers will educate people about the sacrifice and contribution of Sikh soldiers in both World Wars.
Mr Matthews said: “It is essential that we remember how previous generations sacrificed so much to keep us free and remind future adults of the important part in history these soldiers played.
“This monument will serve as a real focal point to remember their huge contribution and celebrate their memory. In a city as diverse as ours, we are all part of a shared society, and it would be wonderful to see that every community can take pride in their unique history.”
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Posted on Monday 26th July 2021