News / Castle Park
Sikh War Memorial & Remembrance Garden officially opened
Attended by hundreds, both from within and from outside the Sikh community, the opening of the Sikh Memorial Garden on Tuesday was a historic and important moment. The garden was built to commemorate Sikh soldiers that served in World War One and World War Two.
The garden is located next to St Peters Church and money to build it was fundraised by Sikh temples and the Sikh community in Bristol. As well as blooming flowerbeds, there are several display boards that provide further information about Sikh soldiers and a bench for passers-by to rest on.
An estimated 83,000 Sikh soldiers lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and more than 100,000 who were seriously wounded, and the memorial is a peaceful way to acknowledge their sacrifice.
is needed now More than ever
The garden was officially opened by the Duke of Kent, who visited the city on Tuesday. He arrived to a large crowd accompanied by lord mayor Cleo Lake, lord lieutenant Peaches Golding and prominent members of Bristol’s Sikh community. Deputy mayor Asher Craig and several other cabinet members also attended the official opening.
The Duke of Kent arrives to open the garden
Ali, one of many Sikh attendees at the opening, said of the garden: “It’s really important, it’s been a long time coming. I think it’s important to remember those in our community who gave their lives to the wars.
“The money for it has been raised by temples mostly, they have been so generous.”
The official unveiling of the memorial garden was poignant, simultaneously remembering and celebrating Sikh soldiers’ lives that were lost during the two world wars.
The ceremony began with Sikh men in traditional dress singing Kirtan, having walked through a congregation of service men and women, before the garden was officially unveiled by the Duke of Kent.
A Sikh chant was repeated in front of one of the flower beds prior to the Duke’s arrival
Despite some April showers, the crowds remained and celebrated their community, before the afternoon culminated with a community gathering in the Marriott Hotel.
The garden is not only a beautiful and peaceful space in Castle Park for people to visit for years to come, but one that holds great significance for this important part of Bristol’s community as well.
Read more: New memorial garden to remember Sikh soldiers’ sacrifice
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