The annual Hong Kong Police Force Remembrance Day Ceremony was held at the Police Headquarters on November 6 to pay tribute to regular and auxiliary officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Among those honouring the fallen officers at the ceremony were Commissioner Tang Ping-keung, Commandant of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) Yang Joe-tsi, Senior Directorate Group members, officers at Assistant Commissioner rank and their auxiliary and civilian equivalents, as well as representatives from Major Police Formations, Auxiliary Police Formations and staff associations.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner said, “We are here today to honour all members of the Hong Kong Police Force, both regular and auxiliary, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the community of Hong Kong. This solemn ceremony is also a fitting tribute to the dedication to duty and fortitude of all members of staff who have served in the Force over the past 176 years.

“Since the founding of the Hong Kong Police Force in 1844, members of the Force have been facing different dangers in the course of our duties. Without fear, we have always put the people of Hong Kong first in our determination to ensure the safety and stability of this city. In doing so, some members of the Force paid the ultimate price, and it is in memory of their sacrifices that we are gathered here in remembrance today.

“The stories of our fallen colleagues are testaments to the Force’s loyalty to the proud mission of protecting Hong Kong. However difficult it was, these officers held on to their beliefs, giving their own lives to fulfil their duty to safeguard the lives and property of Hong Kong citizens. Their devotion to our community and our country is shared by every Force member. Their commitment represents the pinnacle that generations of police officers would aspire to reach. Following in the footsteps of our dedicated predecessors, we have faced down protracted violent protests and managed to bring light at the end of the tunnel towards peace and order. Yet this is not the time to let down our guard. We must prevent a resurgence of the violence. Since calmness has gradually returned to our community, it is just as important for us to gather popular support and continue to fight the epidemic with the public.

“In this ceremony, we are also joined by members of the Hong Kong Police Old Comrades’ Association, the Royal Hong Kong Police Association and former Force members. Like the many who came before them, they represent the finest traditions of service to the community for which the Force is both famed and justifiably proud – traditions, which continue today and are passed on from generation to generation and that make the Hong Kong Police Force one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the world.”

After the Commissioner’s speech, the Police bugler sounded the “Last Post” to signal a two-minute silence, after which the Commissioner laid the Force wreath, followed by Commandant of HKAPF with the Auxiliary Force wreath.