New national police memorial a "fitting tribute" for those who made the ultimate sacrifice
Officially unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum this afternoon
Police officers from across the UK who have died in the line of duty will be commemorated at a national memorial, unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire today.
Falling leaf-shaped apertures in the 12-metre-tall brass sculpture signify the lives of almost 5,000 officers who’ve died while protecting the public.
The new memorial honours the sacrifice of all those from across the police service who have dedicated their lives to protecting the public and will be commemorated at a special ceremony at the Arboretum.
The ceremony will be attended by hundreds of guests, who will adhere to coronavirus restrictions, including senior politicians and representatives from all police force across the country, policing charities and the families and friends of officers killed on duty.
The £4.5-million project – which also includes a digital memorial and educational package for schools – was paid for through fundraising.
The public will be able to view the ceremony live online through the memorial website www.ukpolicememorial.org from midday.
A memorial, seven years in the making
Sir Hugh Orde, Chair of Trustees, said: “This 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.
“The 12-metre-tall brass memorial, with its leaf shaped apertures representing courage, sacrifice and lives lost, is set within a beautifully landscaped area, and has been designed for ceremony, tribute and personal acts of reflection.
“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.”
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.
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.
Sir Hugh added: “This magnificent tribute to fallen police officers and staff has only been made possible thanks to the considerable generosity of our supporters, donors and benefactors. This is a place that will not only honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women from our police service, but it will become a fitting tribute to honour all those who continue to serve.”
Pictures of the UK Police Memorial
The UK Police Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum
Sunset at the UK Police Memorial
UK Police Memorial unveiling ceremony
The UK Police Memorial 'open doorway'
A close up of the leaf details
A copy of inscription at the UK Police Memorial
A copy of the inscription at the UK Police Memorial
Aerial view of the UK Police Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum
Wild flowers at the UK Police Memorial
The UK Police Memorial