Standard bearer proud to represent Hertfordshire at Police Memorial Day

27 September 2023

A Hertfordshire Police Federation member has spoken of his honour at being the Force’s standard bearer at the National Police Memorial Day.

Mike Saunders is part of Hertfordshire Police’s ceremonial team and the standard bearer for Force funerals, parades, and other duties.

He joined colleagues from across the UK in this year’s National Police Memorial Day procession through Cardiff to the city’s New Theatre.

And he was proud to bear the standard and present it on stage alongside the other forces represented.

Mike Saunders carried the Hertfordshire Police standard at the National Police Memorial Day.

Mike said: “It’s a huge honour and a privilege for me to be here with my colleagues in memory of our fallen colleagues.”

The families, friends and colleagues of officers who have died in the line of duty gathered alongside police chiefs, senior politicians and religious leaders for this year’s service.

Mike, who served in the army for 20 years before joining the police, said occasions of remembrance, such as NPMD, were events that carried huge significance.

“All remembrance days are important,” he said. “It’s important that we take time out of our busy schedules to stop and think about the job itself, and the courage and heroism of our colleagues who put their lives on the line.

“They run in the opposite direction to the public and into dangerous situations, and we should never take that for granted.

“It’s important that we stop and we take time to remember them.”