The Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Annual Memorial Service honours the memory of nearly 900 brave women and men who gave their lives in the service of their communities. We gather annually to ensure the magnitude of their sacrifice will never be forgotten. And, in gathering on this solemn occasion we continue to focus on the unsung heroes; the surviving families of those great Canadians who died in the line of duty.
In 1998 the Government of Canada officially proclaimed the last Sunday of September of every year as Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day. In 2003, Canadian Heritage declared the last Sunday of September of every year as a nation-wide half-masting of flags on all federal buildings and establishments in Canada, including the Peace Tower, from sunrise to sunset. These official proclamations are a fitting sign of respect, not only to those who gather on the Hill annually, but also for those who made the ultimate, tragic sacrifice to keep our communities safe and our environment protected.
In 1978 the first Memorial honoured 14 officers. The 28 glass panels on Parliament Hill, overlooking the Ottawa River and the Supreme Court of Canada, have now nearly 900 names etched on them. These panels provide a lasting tribute to our heroes and ensure that future generations are reminded of the supreme sacrifices of our fallen members.
On behalf of the Memorial, thank you for your support and dedication to honour our fallen comrades and their families. We are forever indebted to them and the sacrifice they have made to keep their communities safe. "They are our Heroes, we shall not forget them."