Brothers in arms

I WAS surprised to be stopped last week by a man who said it was strange to see a Sikh wearing a poppy. I politely explained that thousands of Sikh soldiers died in both world wars.

Marching into battle, these lions from a warrior race, with their distinct identity of turbans and beards, fought with their brothers in arms. Hundreds of Sikhs fell on the first day of fighting at Gallipoli, but it took years before Indian troops were allowed to participate in the Anzac parades instead of standing at the sidelines, tears streaming as their fellow veterans passed by.

Today, the identity of the traditional Sikh male is under threat. Following 9/11, Sikhs have been mistakenly targeted in America and even murdered. Here, hate crimes are on the rise.

I was held at JFK airport for seven hours — it appears that U. S. immigration staff need an RE lesson — and my turban was removed at Charles de Gaulle airport because the French have an issue with religious headwear.

I am fourth-generation British and am proud there are Sikhs guarding Buckingham Place and that Winston Churchill honoured Sikh soldiers for their bravery and courage.

JAX SINGH TAAK, Peterborough, Cambs.