CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — “They are our heroes – we will not forget them.”
Those were the phrases said and repeated by several representatives of police and government divisions in Charlottetown on Sept. 29.
Each time they were spoken, they were preceded by the names of Canadian officers who died while on duty.
P.E.I. police, politicians, and parishioners were gathered at Park Royal United Church for Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day, which takes place across the country on the last Sunday of every September.
Chief superintendent Jennifer Ebert, commanding officer of the RCMP L Division on P.E.I., said the day is to honour the fallen, as well as their families and loved ones who survive them.
Ebert added in her speech, first responders must always be willing to rise to any challenge, as well as consider the risks they may have to face.
“(Risks) that have stretched them emotionally, physically, and beyond their training,” she said.
The first memorial was held in 1978. A memorial was installed on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in 1995.
“Nearly 900 names are currently on the memorial.”
Ebert noted in her speech how difficult it can be for the families of fallen officers. She also added that police who were injured while on duty, as well as those who committed suicide, cannot be forgotten.
Members that spoke at the memorial said the day if for members of a municipal police force, RCMP detachments, or peace officers who sacrificed themselves to protect their fellow Canadians.
Philip Pitts, member of the RCMP Veteran’s Association, said the memorial service is intended to give Canadians a chance to remember those who have fallen and to formally express their appreciation.
“(They’ve) made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe,” he said.
Throughout the service there were bible readings, hymns sung by the congregation, a laying of wreaths and moments of silence.
Rev. David Campbell, minister at Park Royal United Church, said their community of faith recognizes the importance of police officers in society.
“You are now, and always will be, in our prayers.”
Also present at the service were Lt.-Gov Antoinette Perry, MP for Charlottetown Sean Casey, MLA for Stanhope-Marshfield Bloyce Thompson and Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown.
