• Abstract and Figures
• Public Full-text

Throughout the United Kingdom, our Police Forces deliver a service that is the envy of the world. Our Police Officers and Civilian Support Staff, drawn from a multitude of diverse backgrounds, but unified by a sense of commitment and duty, distinguish themselves on a daily basis through their courage, consideration and sensitivity to the needs of those they protect. Since the Police are so deeply integrated within the communities they serve, there can be a temptation for society to take your commitment for granted. However, I would like to take this opportunity to express my special admiration for the many acts of selflessness and individual heroism which occur daily. Whether these are reported or not, all deserved our respect and gratitude as we mark the National Police Memorial Day in Glasgow today. In these difficult times, violent crime presents a significant threat not only to the safety of Police Officers and our communities, but also to the very fabric of our society. I particularly wish to remember the five Officers who have so tragically lost their lives in the line of duty since last year’s ceremony in Belfast, and to offer my deepest sympathy to their loved ones, together with profound gratitude for their service. At such an impossibly heartbreaking time, I do hope that their families will derive some small consolation in knowing that we shall forever honour their memory… Policing in the United Kingdom has enormous pressures to contend with, no more so than on the front line. As society changes, so must the way in which we support and protect our communities. Your job is one of the toughest there is, and all too often your efforts go unrecognized. I am proud to be with you today, and I particularly want you to know how very much I appreciate all that you do, and the sacrifices you make. You and your families have a very special place in the heart of this Nation. 1 2 National Police Memorial Day Service Sunday 29 September 2019 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 3 Message from the National Police Chaplain and National Police Memorial Day Co-ordinator, Canon David Wilbraham ince 2004, National Police Memorial Day Commitment, tenacity, bravery and integrity – all has been a day to recall the sacrifice exercised with compassion and fairness – are the Smade by officers across the generations personal qualities that together with professional of UK policing history. It is also a time to skills, sustain the ‘thin blue line’. Frontline personnel remember those known to us personally and also serve with a willingness, should the need arise, those who gave their lives in the previous to put themselves in the place of danger and harm twelve months. It is a public show of support, to protect and serve others. solidarity and commitment to fallen colleagues. Each year the National Police Bravery awards recognise outstanding examples of such behaviour. Policing is a unique role I Sadly, each year, some colleagues consider more of a vocation pay the ultimate price of that than an occupation. It demands commitment and give their lives much of those on the frontline in service. in all manner of ways and requires skill, expertise and real I reflect when I conduct or commitment to deal with the attend funerals for those officers whole of life that is that in the minds of colleagues encountered. Issues of truth, attending are two thoughts. justice, guilt, forgiveness, Firstly, respect for a fallen restitution, peace in society, colleague and support for their protecting the most vulnerable, loved ones; secondly the inner dealing with right and wrong, acknowledgement ‘it could have neighbourliness and helping been me’ for I know that each build community, are a small officer present would put part of the ‘daily round’. themselves in the place Encountering people at their very best and most of danger to protect the public. amazing often during the most tragic of circumstances is done alongside dealing with National Police Memorial Day exists to pay tribute human behaviour at its most depraved, criminal to the brave men and women who gave us their all, and evil. we will always remember them. 4 Order of Service The music before and during our Service is provided by: The National Police Memorial Day Orchestra - Conductor John Morgan The Scottish Police Federation Pipe Band - Drum Major, Niall West - Pipe Sergeant, Duncan Nicholson Scottish Police and Community Choir. - Musical Directors: Dougie Flower and Stephanie Strachan. - Accompanist: Gordon Mitch. Please Stand A Fanfare is sounded as the Patron of National Police Memorial Day, His Royal Highness Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay takes his seat. Processional [Please stand] The Scottish Police Federation Pipe Band Introduction [Please stand] A word of welcome from Rt. Hon. Nicola Sturgeon MSP; First Minister of Scotland: Please Stand Hymn Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; To his feet thy tribute bring. Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Who like me his praise should sing? Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King. Praise him for his grace and favour To our fathers in distress; Praise him still the same as ever, Slow to chide, and swift to bless. Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious in his faithfulness. Father-like, he tends and spares us; Well our feeble frame he knows; In his hands he gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes. Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely as his mercy flows. Angels, help us to adore him; Ye behold him face to face; Sun and moon, bow down before him; Dwellers all in time and space. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace. 5 Please remain standing The Bidding and opening prayers Dear friends, we gather together to thank God for our civil liberties, for our traditions of law and order, for all who administer justice, and especially for those who serve in the police forces of the United Kingdom. On this National Police Memorial Day we give thanks for the bravery, courage and sacrifice of over 4000 officers who, since British Policing began, have died whilst on duty. We commend them to God and pray for their families, friends, and colleagues in the grief of our earthly loss. Jesus said to his disciples, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” We pray for all those involved in policing, who, today, risk their lives to keep us safe, and for all who support, nurture and encourage them. Mindful that peace, order and safety can be very fragile, we acknowledge our own failings and weakness, and we commit ourselves afresh to pursuing all that makes for peace and to caring for those in deepest need. We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient but the things that are unseen are eternal. God of life – of all life and of each life – We lay our lives before you, from whom nothing is hidden. You are before us, Lord, you are behind, You are in the light and in the darkness, You see our most public face; You know the secret thoughts of every heart. We bring the faith that is in us, and the doubt; We bring the joy that is in us, and the sorrow; We bring the pride that is in us, and the shame; We bring the knowledge that is in us, and the ignorance; We bring the hope that is in us, and the despair; We bring the courage that is in us, and the fear. Guide us by your spirit, Cherish our remembering Strengthen us in our journey. Amen. 6 Confident that neither life nor death can separate us from the love of God, let us pray as Christ taught us: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And, lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Please be seated Reading – Psalm 23 [New King James Version] Read by – The Right Honourable Priti Patel MP, Home Secretary Almost 3,000 years ago, The Psalmist wrote a few lines of poetry that have endured through the ages. It is perhaps the best loved and most often repeated poem in the Western World. It is used most often at a time like this for our comfort and stability. The LORD the Shepherd of His People The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; our rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. This is the Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God 7 Choral item: Someone to Remember Me [Russell Watson] I hope you see as you look down All of this love gathered around I hope you hear what people say I hope you know the role you play You were my rock You were my shield This space you leave No-one can fill You held the room You cast a spell You’ll always be remembered well And when my days have come and gone I hope I leave more right than wrong I want to feel this love I see When I am gone I hope there’ll be someone to remember me Though you’re not here Not here with me A part of you will always be I’ll hear your laughter I’ll see your smile I’ll feel you near, once in a while And when my days have come gone I hope Reading Humza Yousaf MSP; Cabinet Secretary for Justice May you listen to your longing to be free.

Load more

  44

Copy Link