Police memorial to be unveiled tomorrow

27 July 2021

A poignant memorial which honours British police officers and staff who lost their lives in the line of duty is being unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum tomorrow.

Senior politicians, civic dignitaries, representatives from every police force across the country, policing charities and the families and friends of fallen officers will attend the poignant ceremony of dedication at the arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire tomorrow (Wednesday).

Steve Grange, secretary of West Midlands Police Federation, will represent the branch at the service and representatives of a number of the Force’s fallen officers will also be in attendance.

Steve said: “It is important that our fallen officers are given the recognition they deserve. The new memorial at the arboretum will be a fitting tribute to their bravery and sacrifice, ensuring they are never forgotten.”

UK Police Memorial chair of trustees Sir Hugh Orde said: “This will be a historic day for our police service. After seven years of fund-raising 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.”

He added: “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.”

The National Memorial Arboretum is the nation’s place of year-round remembrance. It is home to almost 400 memorials, including the National Armed Forces Memorial, and attracts more than 300,000 visitors per year.

The event will be broadcast live online through the memorial website from 12 noon tomorrow (Wednesday 28 July 2021).