HERO police officers and staff from Dyfed-Powys Police and across the country who have died while protecting the public will be commemorated in a permanent memorial to be unveiled tomorrow, 28th July at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The new UK Police Memorial is the culmination of the commitment by the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust – which was established in 2014 – to raise funds to build a fitting tribute that honours the courage and sacrifice of all those from across the police service who have dedicated their lives to protecting us.
The 12-metre-tall brass tribute, within a beautifully 25 metre landscaped area, is being officially unveiled during a special dedication service attended by hundreds of guests, who will adhere to coronavirus restrictions, including dignitaries, senior politicians, representatives from all police force across the country, policing charities and the families and friends of officers killed on duty. The public will be able to view the ceremony live online through the memorial website www.ukpolicememorial.org from midday.
Since 1749 and the establishment of the Bow Street Runners as the country’s first recognised police force, almost 5,000 police officers and staff have died whilst policing our communities, over 1,500 through acts of violence. Leaf-shaped apertures on the memorial give the impression of falling leaves to represent service, sacrifice and lives lost.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Emma Ackland said: “In keeping alive the memory of those who have gone before us, the UK Police Memorial honours the bravery and acknowledges the high price paid by those who died in the line of duty. May they rest in peace and inspire us to give more fully of ourselves.”
Sir Hugh Orde, Chair of Trustees, said: “Next Wednesday will be a historic day for our police service. After seven years of fundraising and 12 months of construction, we can finally dedicate this beautiful and iconic memorial that pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all those police officers and staff who have paid the ultimate price.
“As a nation, we owe all those who have laid down their lives to keep us safe and protect us from harm a huge debt of gratitude. This memorial will ensure that the memory of those officers and staff who have died lives on in perpetuity.”
The National Memorial Arboretum is the nation’s place of year-round remembrance for all our services. It is home to almost 400 thought provoking memorials, including the National Armed Forces Memorial, and attracts over 300,000 visitors per year.
For further information please visit www.ukpolicememorial.org The public can view the dedication ceremony and participate remotely by logging on to the memorial website from midday on Wednesday, 28th July 2021 and visiting the ‘Dedication Ceremony’ page.
