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Forenza in Italy remembers Sikh soldiers at its 82nd independence day
Italians continue to be all praise for the Sikh soldiers who travelled hundreds of miles from their homeland to travel to Italy as part of the Anglo-American Allied forces and fought the German invaders gallantly.
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Prabhjot Paul Singh - Wed, 12, Aug 2026
- 17:47 EDT
- 40
Prithipal Singh / Rememberance ceremony
On August 11 every year, residents of Forenza city in Italy celebrate their independence. Thanks to the valour and determination of Sikh soldiers who were a part of the Anglo-American Allied troops that fought the Germans of the Wehrmacht and Italians that owed allegiance to the Italian Social Republic, Forenza was liberated in 1944.
To commemorate the memory of Sikh soldiers who made supreme sacrifices in the liberation war of Forenza, a memorial was raised.
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It comprised a wall on which the names of the Sikh soldiers were inscribed. After this memorial was raised about a decade ago, members of the World Sikh Shaheed Military, a registered society in Italy, has been organising “Shaheedi Divas” at the memorial.
Forenza, a historic town and commune in the province of Potenza in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. It is located on a hill in the Brandano valley, earning the nickname "the Balcony of Puglia" for its wide views. Historically, it descends from the ancient Roman-conquered Samnite town of Forentum.
According to Prithipal Singh, President of the World Sikh Shaheed Military, this year the 10th Shaheedi Divas was observed with a massive participation of not only members of the Sikh community of Italy but also by local Italians who fondly remember the supreme sacrifices made by Sikh soldiers.
Italians continue to be all praise for the Sikh soldiers who travelled hundreds of miles from their homeland to travel to Italy as part of the Anglo-American Allied forces and fought the German invaders gallantly.
Giving details of the “Shaheedi Divas” celebrations, Prithipal Singh said that after recitation of Sri Sukhmani Sahib, two girls – Ishu and Noor Kaur – recited slokas from Gurbani before Bhai Bhupinder Singh performed the Ardas.
The entire congregation then moved to the memorial wall where floral tributes were paid by laying wreaths. Prominent among those who paid floral tributes included Prithipal Singh, Satnam Singh, Jasvir Singh, Iqbal Singh, Ravinder Singh Bhau, Bhupinder Singh Kang followed by Mayor of Forenza Vice Sinke. The mayor lauded the supreme sacrifices of the Sikh soldiers and appreciated their valour and sincerity.
Besides the representatives of the Sikh community, officials from the Forenza commune (municipality), serving and retired defence personnel, other civic authorities, members of the Italian police and Carabiner and freedom fighters also paid tributes to the Sikh soldiers.
Since the local authorities also organised a special event to commemorate their 82nd liberation day, they invited representatives of the World Sikh Shaheed Military, including Prithpal Singh, Satnam Singh, Iqbal Singh Sodhi, Javir Singh Dhanauta, Ravinder Singh Bhau and President of the Parma Gurughar Bhupinder Singh Kang.
At the official event, Mayor of Forenza, while lauding the role of Sikh soldiers said that they displayed exemplary courage as they were fighting hundreds of miles away from their homeland for a country that did not belong to them. They kept aloft the military traditions of fighting for a cause.
A special community kitchen – langar – was organised for all the participants.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Sikh community members at the ceremony / Prithipal Singh
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