Singh , 21, emigrated to the United States from Chandigargh, India, at 18 and joined the Army a year later. He was killed Dec. 1 when his convoy was ambushed in Habbaniyah, Iraq. He died fighting not only for the U.S., but for the reputation of his fellow Sikhs. Since the Sept. 11 attacks those natives of the northern Indian provinces had faced harassment in the U.S. due to their turbans and uncut hair, which caused them to be confused with Islamic extremists. "The days of unwanted turmoil toward the Sikhs in our country have ended thanks to Sgt. Singh 's ultimate sacrifice," said Sartaj Singh Dhami, co-organizer of a memorial event for the fallen soldier.
Stationed at Fort Riley, Singh lived in Lake Forest, Ill. He had come to the U.S. in 2000 and loved it. "He had freedom to try new stuff, he had freedom to earn a living," said his aunt, Harpeet Datt.
After a funeral ceremony in India, some of Singh 's ashes were taken to Arlington National Cemetery to be buried alongside other American soldiers.
Singh came from a military family. His father served in he Indian army, and his grandfather fought in the British military during colonial rule. His decision to join the U.S. Army and subsequent death caused debate in India about that nation's decision not to provide troops to the U.S. effort.
Singh 's position in that debate would have been clear. "He said, 'I'm so proud to wear the U.S. Army uniform,'" his mother, Manjit Singh , said from India. She said her son called from Kuwait and told her not to worry because "we are the best army in the world."
