A memorial service honoured Sikhs who have fought and continue to serve in the Armed Forces.

The ceremony was held in St Andrew's Gardens, Gravesend, next to the statue commemorating Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh Pujji and all those who have served alongside Britain.

The Defence Sikh Network, an organisation which acts as a focal point for serving Sikhs and consisting of members in the UK Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence, met with others in the community to pay tribute.

Those in attendance representing the Armed Forces, police, air cadets, the Gurdwara, Gravesham council and family members of the late Sqn Ldr laid wreaths in remembrance and to honour those in service.

The statue was unveiled in 2014, four years after he died, with the inscription: "To commemorate those from around the world who served alongside Britain in all conflicts."

Sqn Ldr Pujji was an Indian-born RAF fighter and one of the first Sikh pilots during the Second World War. His bravery earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The hero said he never felt like an outsider during the war but later noticed that non-white people's efforts were largely ignored and campaigned for the recognition of Sikh contributions.

At the event, Wing Commander Manjeet Singh Ghataora spoke about the importance of memorial services in raising awareness, and motivating the next generation to consider serving as a career path.

He joined the RAF as an engineering officer in 1999 and has gone on to become the highest ranking Sikh in the British Armed Forces currently serving, following in the footsteps of his father, Flight Sergeant Avtar Singh Ghataora.

Talking of his career highlights, the Wg Cmdr noted serving as a senior engineering officer in 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, responsible for maintenance and servicing of the UK C-17 fleet.

He oversaw the squadron's junior officers and technicians in the UK and overseas, and made decisions to ensure safe and serviceable aircraft were ready for operational tasks including bringing troops back from Afghanistan and bringing home Ebola patients amongst other humanitarian missions.

Wg Cmdr Ghataora was joined by other personnel of the forces such as Flying Officer Rajinder Singh Chawala, Midshipman Gurkamalpreet Singh, on behalf of the Royal Navy, and Warrant Officer Balbir Singh Nagra MBE who is now retired.

Approximately 130,000 Sikh men fought in the First World War, a total of 83,005 Sikh soldiers gave their lives during both the First and Second World Wars, and in 2019, around 130 Sikhs were serving in the British Army and another 70 across defence.

The memorial will now be held annually coinciding with the anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the death of the Sqn Ldr Pujji to remember the Sikh heroes in service.

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