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The following is the speech delivered by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lo Wai-chung, at the Force Remembrance Day today (October 22):
Dear colleagues, we are gathered here today to pay tribute to both the Regular and Auxiliary members of the Hong Kong Police Force who have given their lives in the line of duty. This solemn ceremony is also a fitting tribute to the dedication and fortitude of all members of staff who have served with the Force over the past 171 years.
Today, we honour the memory of those who, whilst performing their sworn duty, have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the service of the people of Hong Kong, including those who perished during the riots in 1967. 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. As demonstrated by the bravery of our officers in Western earlier this week, we will, for the sake of the safety and stability of our community, never flinch from this challenge.
In this ceremony, we are joined by members of the Hong Kong Police Old Comrades Association, the Royal Hong Kong Police Association and other former members of the Hong Kong Police Force. Like the many officers who came before them, they represent the finest traditions of service to the community for which the Force is both famed and justifiably proud ¡ª traditions, which are passed on from generation to generation.
To all of you present here today, may I ask that you remain standing, and following the ¡°Last Post¡± join with me in observing a two-minute silence in memory of all the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Ends/Thursday, October 22, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:03
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