Casola Valsenio, Emilia-Romagna, Italy: The contributions and sacrifices of Sikh soldiers in Italy’s liberation remain deeply remembered even after more than eight decades. Across various towns, villages, and municipalities, Independence Day celebrations continue to pay homage to these brave soldiers.
Casola Valsenio, a historic village founded in 1216 after the destruction of Casola Castle by troops from Faenza, is now a municipality in the Ravenna province of the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. On November 28, the town commemorated 81 years of independence with special tributes to the Sikh soldiers who gave their lives during the liberation of Casola Valsenio.
City councillors and senior officials, including Eleonora Proni, Nicholas Nescito, and Mayor Maurizio Nati, invited members of the Italy-based World Sikh Soldiers Yadgar Committee to join the celebrations. In keeping with military traditions, ex-serviceman Sewa Singh led the Sikh soldiers in performing the “Ardas” prayer.
The committee, headed by president Prithipal Singh, paid heartfelt tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in 1944 during the liberation. Wreaths were placed at the memorial by members of the freedom fighters’ group.
Mayor Maurizio Nati praised the Sikh soldiers for their extraordinary courage, emphasizing that their sacrifices were remarkable given that they were fighting far from their homeland. Addressing schoolchildren attending the event, he remarked, “The Sikhs are exceptional, having laid down their lives to combat Hitler’s forces.”
Provincial assembly representative Eleonora Proni also acknowledged the Sikh soldiers’ pivotal role in liberating Casola Valsenio.
Alongside Prithipal Singh, other members of the delegation, including Manjinder Singh Khalsa, Gurmail Singh Bhatti, Jasvir Singh Dhanota, Parminder Singh Gustala, and Amarjit Singh, highlighted how Sikh soldiers in the British Army faced harsh weather across Europe and remained steadfast in protecting local communities during World War II. Their dedication was likened to defending their own homeland.
The event saw participation from local political figures, business and industry leaders, civilians, and a large number of students, including schoolchildren, who all gathered to honor the historic sacrifices.
