In a poignant ceremony held at the House of Commons, the first commemorative leaves cut from the fabric of the UK Police Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum have been presented to the families of ten fallen police officers. The special event, kindly hosted by Niche RMS and sponsored by the Rt. Hon Shailesh Vara MP, marked a significant moment in honouring the sacrifice of these officers.
The Minister for Crime and Policing, The Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP, and Sir Hugh Orde OBE QPM, founder Chair of Trustees and now Patron of the Trust, led the presentation. Each leaf inscribed with the officer’s name, rank, force, and date of death was personally handed to the families in attendance.
Paying a heartfelt tribute to fallen officers Sir Hugh said: “These commemorative leaves are a symbol of our eternal gratitude and respect for the fallen police officers of the United Kingdom. They will forever be a part of the UK Police Memorial, and we will never forget their sacrifice.”
The ceremony was attended by Chief Constables, staff associations, including NARPO and the Police Federation, and Shadow Home Secretary, the Rt. Hon Yvette Cooper MP.
The Police Arboretum Memorial Trust intends to extend the presentation of leaves to as many families of fallen police officers as possible. However, the success of this initiative will be determined by fundraising efforts. If you would like to sponsor a leaf for a family, then please contact info@ukpolicememorial.org
This ceremony marks a significant step in immortalising the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust remains dedicated to ensuring that their service and sacrifice are forever remembered and honoured.
