NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL DAY
NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL DAY
The Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE explained:
“The Trustees were determined that we would still commemorate, albeit in a different way this year. It is fitting that families are watching from home, because that is where the officers are loved the most.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel reflected on the tragic events of Croydon before giving a reading of The Beatitudes. She also expressed her personal gratitude to serving police officers and staff and said officers who made the ultimate sacrifice would “never be forgotten”.
The British Symphony Orchestra stirred the souls of the audience during the service with a moving rendition of ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’, as speakers from the four corners of the United Kingdom took turns to speak about what Memorial Day means to them.
These included Louie Johnston, son of Reserve Constable David Johnston of the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross, who was taken in 1997, aged 30. He said NPMD is an occasion to “look past the uniform and to celebrate the character, the memories and the special place that our loved ones will always have in our hearts”.
Jayne and Lowri Davies, the widow and daughter of PC Terry Davies of Gwent Police, who died in 1990, recalled attending the inaugural NPMD not knowing what to expect but finding it a “wonderful day” and a source of comfort. Lowri is now a serving officer with Gwent Police and wears her father’s collar number.
Rumbie Mabuto, widow of DC Joe Mabuto of Thames Valley Police, and Donna Alcock, widow of PC John Alcock, then Grampian Police (now Police Scotland) also spoke of what National Police Memorial Day means to them during the service.
Candles were lit to represent the four nations of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to remind everyone of the flame of devotion and commitment, exemplified by those whom the service remembers.
England was represented by Lissie Harper, widow of PC Andrew Harper of Thames Valley Police. Lighting a
candle for Wales was Rebecca Davies, daughter of PC Terry Davies of Gwent Police, and for Northern Ireland, Louie Johnston. Scotland’s candle was lit by its Chief Constable, Iain Livingstone QPM.
John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “National Police Memorial Day ensures that police officers who gave their all are never forgotten. We must always remember them - their commitment and ultimate sacrifice to public service. Every day, police officers selflessly put themselves in harm’s way for the sake of others – I thank them, and I am proud to represent them.”
YOU CAN WATCH THE FULL CEREMONY AND LEAVE A MESSAGE ON THE VIRTUAL TRIBUTE WALL AT
WWW.NATIONALPOLICEMEMORIALDAY.ORG
OCTOBER 2020 | POLICE | 25 OCTOBER 2020 | POLICE | 25
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