The annual Hong Kong Police Force Remembrance Day Ceremony was held at the Ceremonial Area of Arsenal House on November 11 to honour those officers, both Regular and Auxiliary, who lost their lives in the line of 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 at Assistant Commissioner rank and their auxiliary and civilian equivalents, as well as representatives from all Major Police Formations, Auxiliary Police Formations and staff associations.

A Guard of Honour formed by a contingent from the Police College and the Police Silver Band was in attendance.

In his speech, Mr Lee said the solemn ceremony is a fitting tribute to the dedication and fortitude of all those who have served in the past 160 years, including the present strength of 26,900 regular officers, 3,700 auxiliary officers and 4,800 civilian officers.

"Today we honour the memory of those officers, both Regular and Auxiliary, who, whilst performing their sworn duty, have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the service of the people of Hong Kong. Time and time again we police officers confront danger and continually face the uncertainty of whether our duty to protect and serve will place us in harm's way. We however do not flinch from this challenge to ensure our community can live in a safe and stable society."

This March, Police Constable Tsang Kwok-hang died in the execution of his duty. "Constable Tsang's sacrifice reflects the dangers faced daily by all police officers and his selfless dedication to duty is an example to all of us," Mr Lee added.

The Commissioner said he was particularly honoured by the presence of members of the Hong Kong Police Old Comrades Association and the Royal Hong Kong Police Association as well as other former members of the Force. "Like the many officers who came before them, they represent an integral part of the fine traditions for which the Force is both famed and justifiably proud: traditions which our younger generation officers must take forward into the future," he noted.

After the Commissioner's speech, the Police bugler sounded "Last Post" to signal two minutes' silence, after which, the Commissioner, together with the Auxiliary Police 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.