Canadian soldiers mark Remembrance Day at Sikh gurdwara

More than 200 members of the Canadian Armed Forces gathered at a Sikh gurdwara in Scarborough on Sunday, in what is believed to be the first-ever regimental Remembrance Day service to take place at a Sikh place of worship.

The ceremonycelebrated Canadian soldiers, including Sikhs, who died in past wars, and recognized current service members.

It brought the 7th Toronto Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery toGursikhSabhaCanada onMiddlefieldRoad,

Participants told CBC News that the regiment wants to fight stereotypes, and spread the message that the Canadian military is an inclusive institution.

"It's not what people may think of as just white males," said Master Bombardier Jasmin Buccella.

"We have all diversities, females, different cultures and everyone has the opportunity to participate."

An exhibit called "War and Faith," presented at the gurdwara in partnership with the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada, sheds light on the history of Sikh soldiers who fought in the first and second world wars.

The exhibit also explores the role of religious faith during military service.

"Especially when times get tough, soldiers tend to start going back to their faith to do whatever they can to stay strong," said Lt. Hari Singh Bhatti.

Organizers say they hope to bring similar events to other places of worship in the future.