Page 29 - Federation Magazine June / July 2017
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UK Police Memorial: ‘important
to every single one of us’
H elp raise £10 a head for each must become part of the fabric of our a corresponding digital presence which will
Federation member by July and a national life.” tell the story of policing and those who have
new UK Police Memorial could be And he added: “Policing is our country’s fallen, including the ability to search by
dedicated at the National Memorial gift to the world... but to have no fitting names and dates, leave messages, record
Arboretum next year - that was the appeal memorial at the national place of visits and provide an educational resource.
made by Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington, remembrance, the National Memorial A Living Memorial Trust will also be
patron of the Police Arboretum Memorial Arboretum, that honours our men and established to both maintain the memorial
Trust, at conference. women who have lost their lives fulfilling and provide support for families of the fallen
Lord Stevens, who had himself been a their duty just cannot be right.” when they need it most.
Federation rep 50 years ago, was speaking He stressed: “Families struck by the loss The money raised so far includes many
as part of the launch of a public appeal for of a loved one on duty need to be able to generous donations. The Government has
the memorial which will bear the names of remember and reflect on their death in a given £1m from the Libor Fund, with Lord
1,400 fallen officers and staff. peaceful and tranquil environment. The Stevens saying: “This is money taken from
The police, Lord Stevens said, are a service really needs a place where large acts those who exhibited the worst in human
family that comes together as a sign of of commemoration can take place, and behaviour but we are giving it to those who
unity and support when one of their own society needs a place that inspires a deep demonstrate the best.”
dies. The new memorial, he told delegates, understanding and appreciation of policing He also explained: “A new UK Police
was ‘absolutely essential’ and ‘important to on the part of every one of its citizens.” Memorial will not replace local and regional
every single one of us’. He also revealed the memorial had the memorials but will complement them, just
He explained: “PC Palmer’s death has put support of HRH Duke of Cambridge. In a as the Cenotaph complements the Armed
greater emphasis on the need to create a message, Lord Stevens read out at Forces memorial at the Memorial Arboretum
place where the nation can honour and conference the Duke wrote: “The UK is and the thousands of other military
commemorate our police service and where recognised around the world as the home of memorials throughout every village, town
family, friends and colleagues of those killed modern policing although, as recent events and city in our country.”
on duty can go to carry out personal acts of have reminded us, that rich heritage is Lord Stevens said that if sufficient funds
remembrance. interwoven with sacrifice... It is high time a are pledged by July when the Police Bravery
“We need to establish a fitting memorial police memorial in the National Memorial Awards ceremony takes place it would be
that recognises the vital contribution that Arboretum existed to act as a focal point for feasible to dedicate a new memorial in the
policing makes to our society and remembrance and gratitude.” National Memorial Arboretum next year.
acknowledges the courage and sacrifice So far £2.5 million has been raised of the To find out more about the memorial, its
made by police officers and police staff who £4m needed to complete the memorial at design and the digital projects around it go
have paid the ultimate price. That tribute the National Arboretum in Staffordshire and to www.ukpolicememorial.org
Lord Stevens addresses conference.
www.westmidspolfed.com federation June/July 2017 29
