The annual Hong Kong Police Force Remembrance Day Ceremony was held at the Police Headquarters on November 11 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 Siu Chak-yee, 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 178 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 safeguard the lives and property of our citizens, as well as the prosperity 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.”

“With their contribution to the law and order in Hong Kong, each fallen member remains a hero. Today, on the Force Remembrance Day, I solemnly announce the completion of the new Memorial Wall at the foyer on the third floor of the Police Headquarters. This wall, which bears the names of each and every soul, represents the Force’s unending remembrance and deep respect for our colleagues who perished in the line of duty.”

“Looking back, we all know that police officers from different generations faced different challenges. Yet our mission to protect the life and property of people remains the same. There is no greater tribute that police officers can pay to their fallen comrades than by staying true to our aspiration and carrying on the duty of safeguarding our community. Every day, we carry out our duties by defending against security threats and bringing offenders to justice while remaining dedicated to serving the public with honour, duty and loyalty. Upholding law and order has never been simple. We will all find great inspiration in the selfless dedication of our fellow officers who have lost their lives. We shall be inspired to continue the effort to uphold public order and safeguard national security by their attitude of sacrifice.”

“Last but not least, I would like to thank everyone who came to the ceremony today, especially the members of the Royal Hong Kong Police Association, the Hong Kong Police Old Comrades Association, and past members of the Force. Like the many who came before them, they represent the finest traditions of service and contribution to the community for which the Force is both famed and justifiably proud. I am confident that through the continued efforts of all, our aspirations will live on and our traditions will be passed on from generation to generation, making 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.