Speech by Commissioner of Police at the Force Remembrance Day (with photos)

     Following is the speech delivered by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, at the Force Remembrance Day today (October 22):

     Distinguished guests and colleagues, we are here today to honour all members of the Hong Kong Police Force, both regular and auxiliary, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the community of Hong Kong. This solemn ceremony is also a fitting tribute to the dedication to duty and fortitude of all members of staff who have served in the Force over the past 177 years.

     Since the founding of the Hong Kong Police Force in 1844, members of the Force have been facing different dangers in the course of our duties. Without fear, we have always put the people of Hong Kong first in our determination to ensure the safety and stability of this city. In doing so, some members of the Force paid the ultimate price, and it is in memory of their sacrifices that we are gathered here in remembrance today.

     Fellow members who lost their lives in the line of duty are forever heroes to us. They laid down their lives to achieve their mission. In a moment of life and death, they abided by their promise to protect the lives and properties of our people. With their dedication and sacrifice, they have written heroic epics that makes all members of the Force proud. Earlier in September this year, Senior Inspector of Police Ms Lam Yuen-yee lost her life during an anti-smuggling operation.  We were deeply saddened by her passing. Yet, her memory will live on in every member of the Force and of the public for her unwavering commitment to her duties and her exploit of giving her life for our city's law and order. As with all other fallen officers, Ms Lam has gone on to glory. The light they have shone on us has continued to lead us in keeping our original aspiration, protecting Hong Kong with the motto of "Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty", curbing resolutely any acts endangering national security and preventing the emergence of domestic terrorism, serving the public at large, and after all, striving for the community’s recognition and trust in the professional services of the Force. By demonstrating our professionalism, we pay tribute to our fallen predecessors!

     In this ceremony, we are also joined by members of the Hong Kong Police Old Comrades Association, the Royal Hong Kong Police Association and former Force members. Like the many who came before them, they represent the finest traditions of service to the community for which the Force is both famed and justifiably proud – traditions, which continue today and are passed on from generation to generation and that make the Hong Kong Police Force one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the world.

     To all of you present here today, may I ask you to remain standing, and following the "Last Post", join me in observing a two-minute silence in memory of all those who have fallen in the line of duty.