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The following is the speech delivered by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Tsang Yam-pui, at the Force Remembrance Day today (October 8):

We are gathered here today to pay tribute to all members of the Hong Kong Police, and Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Forces who have given their lives in the line of duty.

The Force today boasts a strength of 27,500 regular officers, which is complimented by our 4,300 Auxiliary colleagues. As a Force we hold a long, proud history in which we have confronted and overcome many challenges in the past 159 years. These are successes which can be attributed directly to the dedication and fortitude of all those who have served, past and present.

Today we honour the memory of those officers both Regular and Auxiliary who, whilst performing their sworn duty, have given their lives in the service of the people of Hong Kong. Time and time again police officers confront danger as well as the uncertainty of whether their duty to protect and serve will place them in harm's way. They however willingly accept this challenge in order to achieve what the community demands: a peaceful and stable Hong Kong.

Last year we tragically lost two officers who died in the execution of duty, namely Senior Inspector of Police LEUNG Bo-ming and Police Constable WONG Kit-hong. Through their selflessness and devotion to duty in pursuit of assisting others, these officers have made the ultimate sacrifice. In so doing they have displayed exemplary courage and dedication to service for which fellow police officers, together with the community at large should be extremely proud.

We are particularly honoured here today by the presence of members of the Hong Kong Police Old Comrades Association, and other former-members of the Hong Kong Police Force. Like the many officers who came before them they represent an integral part of the fine traditions for which the Force is both famed and justifiably proud: traditions which our younger generation of officers must take forward into the future.

To all of you present here today I now ask that you remain standing and following the 'last post' join with me in observing a two minute silence in memory of all the police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Add Police Report No 1
Issued by PPRB
End/Wednesday, October 8, 2003

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