Force honours fallen colleagues
In keeping with tradition, the annual Hong Kong Police Force Remembrance Day Ceremony was held at the Ceremonial Area of Arsenal House on November 5 to honour those officers, both Regular and Auxiliary, who lost their lives on duty during the two World Wars and in post-war years.
Paying tribute to the fallen officers were Commissioner Lee Ming-kwai, Senior Directorate Group members, officers of Assistant Commissioner rank and their auxiliary and civilian equivalents, as well as representatives from all major Police and Auxiliary Police Formations.
A Guard of Honour formed by a contingent from the Police Training School and the Police Silver Band were in attendance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lee pointed out that time and time again police officers confronted danger. "In confronting our duty to protect and serve we are placed in harm's way. We however do not flinch from this challenge, no matter what the cost is, so that our community can live in a safe and stable society. These loyal and brave officers, through their resolute and sober acceptance of their duty, have made the ultimate sacrifice. They are an example to us all," he noted.
Mr Lee said he was particularly honoured by the presence at the ceremony of members of the Hong Kong Police Old Comrades Association, the Royal Hong Kong Police Association and other former members of the Force. He added: "Like the many officers who came before them, they represent the finest traditions of human decency for which the Force is both famed and justifiably proud: the mantle of which will be passed on to our younger generation of officers to carry forward into the future."
After the Commissioner's speech, the Police bugler sounded "Last Post" to signal two minutes' silence, after which the Commissioner, together with the Auxiliary Commandant, laid the Force wreaths at the foot of the Books of Remembrance, followed by wreath-laying by representatives of Major Formations and Staff Associations.
