TRIBUTE
NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL DAY
More than 1800 members of the police family attended the National Police Memorial Day held in Cardiff this year. On Sunday 24 September, all UK police officers who fell in the line of duty were honoured at the 20th National Police Memorial Service held at Cardiff’s New Theatre
“Grief is a universal experience that affects all our lives and today we gather to support each other and pay tribute to those lost in service.”
20 YEARS All photos: Anderson Photography
In line with tradition, civic buildings across the UK, including the Welsh Government building, the Senedd, were illuminated blue on the evening of Saturday 23 September, the eve of the service, providing a striking visual tribute to our fallen colleagues. Led by former National Police Chaplain, Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE welcomed attendees. “This year marked a historical moment for National Police Memorial Day as it merged with the Police Roll of Honour Trust, to establish the new Police Remembrance Trust,” he said. “Recognised by royalty and with a
combined 43 years of honouring those who serve and those who have died or been killed on duty, the charities joined as one in their shared, whole-hearted commitment to ensure the sacrifices of police officers throughout the UK and Island of Ireland are never forgotten. “To all who have been involved with
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National Police Memorial Day and the Police Roll of Honour Trust, we are grateful for your support over the years and invite you to remain on this journey with us with continuing commitment and enthusiasm. “As well as maintaining National Police Memorial Day, other priorities for the
Around 5,000 police officers have died whilst on duty in the past 180 years, yet this sacrifice and exceptional dedication to duty remained largely unrecognised until as late as 2004. National Police Memorial Day serves to give formal recognition to police officers who have given their all to protect others and make their communities safer places to live and work. In its 20th year, National Police Memorial Day is a constant and significant date in the policing calendar for many. To mark the amalgamation of National Police Memorial Day and the Police Roll of Honour Trust, forming the Police Memorial Trust, a new crest was unveiled.
THE SERVICE
“As they marched through Cardiff, onlookers filmed with their phones in awe”
new Police Remembrance Trust are to build on the efforts already in progress to establish a Welsh Police Memorial, and to continue working in partnership with the new UK Digital Police Memorial. “This marks a new era for UK police memorial charities and the Police Remembrance Trust firmly believes that recognising bravery, commitment, integrity, dedication and sacrifice is a great reflection of the vast majority of those involved in policing today.
As the ceremony grew closer, the roads and streets around the New Theatre grew busier as officers and members of the public began to gather. The South Wales Police Band kicked off proceedings with a parade from the city centre to the theatre. As they marched through Cardiff, onlookers filmed with their phones in awe.
Upon arriving at the theatre, the band were met with officers of all ranks in full ceremonial uniform. Officers from forces across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland arrived to pay their respects to their fallen comrades.
Such is the strength and bond of the policing family that officers from the United States had travelled across the pond to pay their respects. Officers from Los Angeles Police Department, University of Maryland Police Department
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