The Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada reported a rich instance from history where Sikh army was required for their services in history and now they have 150 years later a Sikh army general. As the poster celebrates 150 years of history and Canada, it also reminds of the courage, bravery, enthusiasm, patience and persistence one must have to reach this level. A proud moment for all the Canadians and the Sikhs world wide. The poster clearly depicts the transition from "Send an army of Sikhs " and the an army lead by Sikhs. Here is rest of the story for our regular readers straight from the Sikh museum:
"War will come someday between England and the United States and India can do us yeoman's service by sending an army of Sikhs … across the Pacific to San Francisco and holding that beautiful and immortal city with the surrounding California — as security for Montreal and Canada."
Can you guess who wrote the above lines as part of a letter? If I give you a clue and mention the county origin of the writer would it help? Canada. Well not exactly Canada at the time, but the soon to be first prime minister of Canada Sir John. A. Macdonald penned the private letter in 1867 shortly after Queen Victoria signed the BNA Act, which confirmed the Canadian Confederation and served as the Constitution until the Canada Act of 1982. Macdonald wrote the letter to English theorists Sir Henry Sumner Maine who was residing in India at the time.
The idea of Canada invading San Francisco was "perhaps tongue in cheek" on Macdonald's part but reveals the prime minister to have a mischievous streak.
It's a significant historical anecdote for Sikhs, and how far the reputation of Sikhs preceded them across the Atlantic. It is a reminder of how we were viewed as a people, as far away as even North America prior to our arrival here.
The letter Sir John. A. Macdonald can be seen below:
