5,000 peace and police officers honour fallen comrades

Somber September ceremony held on Parliament Hill

Ottawa (25 Sept. 2006) - More than 5,000 peace and police officers from across Canada gathered on Parliament Hill Sunday to pay tribute to comrades who have died in the line of duty.

"This occasion recognizes public employees who make the ultimate sacrifice," said James Clancy, president of the 340,000-member National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

"Our members who work in the justice sector - corrections, conservation, highway safety, youth corrections, sheriffs, security and more - do so out of a commitment to serve and protect the public," Clancy adds.

"These public sector workers, like so many others within our union, prove that good work is not only about wages and benefits, it is also about making a difference."
Thousands gather for Parliament Hill ceremonies
 

Thousands gather for Parliament Hill ceremonies

Representing the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees

Honour Roll

The names of officers who have fallen within the line of duty over the past year have been added the Parliament Hill Memorial Honour Roll, which includes 729 names. All names are etched on the glass panels erected along the perimeter of the parliamentary grounds, overlooking the Ottawa River. A Memorial Pavilion also stands nearby.

The fallen officers for this year are:
 

Names added from previous years include the following:

Proclaimed in 1998

In 1998, the federal government officially proclaimed the last Sunday of each September as Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day. This Service gives Canadians an opportunity to express their appreciation for the ultimate dedication of these police and peace officers.

The National Memorial Day Service is organized by the Canadian Professional Police Association (CPPA), the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and the Canadian Peace Officers' Memorial Association (CPOMA). NUPGE