TORONTO, Canada—Yesterday, Sikh24 had shared a statement by the World Sikh Organization of Canada, condemning the shooting at the Ottawa War Memorial. Rapid gunfire at the Parliament building yesterday morning claimed the life of one soldier, also leaving the suspect dead. In the hours after the shooting, WSO Spokesperson Balpreet Singh said –
We are shocked and saddened by today’s events in Ottawa. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo who lost his life in the service of his country today. We stand in solidarity with all Canadians in condemning these kinds of heinous attacks. We also salute Sgt. at Arms Kevin Vickers for his bravery and quick action in preventing any more innocent lives from being lost.
Today, the World Sikh Organization has released yet another statement condemning the terrorist attacks and giving more information about Sgt. at Arms, Kevin Vickers, who had stopped the attacker from taking additional lives in the Parliament building.
WSO stated that, “Vickers had been recognized by the WSO in 2011 for upholding the right of Sikhs to wear kirpans in the Canadian Parliament.”
In 2011, when the Quebec National Assembly banned the kirpan, Kevin Vickers was swift to ensure that the Sikh article of faith was allowed in the Commons. The WSO recognized and paid tributes to him at a dinner in Ottawa. Vickers had stated during the dinner that he had learned to respect the culture and dignity of others.
Vickers added that the kirpan ban by Quebec was a challenge to the social fabric in Canada, and that the country needed to do much to “sew together the fabric of our nation with the thread of multiculturalism”.
Commenting on the terrorist attack, WSO President Dr. Amritpal Singh Shergill added that, “we stand in solidarity with our fellow Canadians in condemning these atrocious attacks. As we commend the quick and courageous action of Sgt. at Arms Kevin Vickers in preventing any further loss of life, we also send our prayers and condolences to the family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo who lost his life while serving his country. The response of Canadians of all backgrounds to these attacks has shown that we will not be intimidated or daunted but will instead respond with courage and unity. We will not let this attack divide us. Today, as Sikhs around the world commemorate Bandi Chhor Divas, let us reflect on what part we must play so that that freedom and justice can prevail.”
