SECOND ANNUAL SERVICE OF PRAYER AND REMEMBRANCE

LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL SATURDAY 29th JULY 2006

RIR Bugler outside Lichfield Cathedral Dedication of the PUMA Standard Const Dave Langston, Leicestershire, gives the bible reading
On Saturday, 29th July 2006, the Police Unity Memorial Association hosted the second annual Service of Prayer and Remembrance in Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire, England. Approximately 350 people attended, including many uniformed Police officers and Special Constables from over 25 UK forces. Many colleagues from the Royal Military Police Association also took part. 

The day’s events commenced at 10.15am, when over 30 Standard Bearers, 50 uniformed officers and 100 members of the Ulster Special Constabulary Association paraded from Dam Street to the Cathedral, led by a drummer of the West Midlands Police Band. 

As the congregation entered the Cathedral the USC Historical Platoon provided the Honour Guard, dressed in 1920’s uniform. The civic dignitaries, where then escorted down the aisle by a lone piper from Royal Irish Regimental Band, who had been specially invited by the PUMA organisers to take part in this year’s event. As the officiating clergy made their way to the altar a fanfare by the RIR Buglers signalled the commencement of the Service, followed by the entrance parade of the Standards. 

The national Standard of the Police Unity Memorial Association was officially dedicated by the Precentor of Lichfield Cathedral, Canon Charles Taylor, who called on all present to “Treasure the memory of those who have died in the course of duty, and to follow their example of loyalty, courage and selfless service” 

During the Act of Remembrance and Prayer a single candle was paraded through the Cathedral by S/Constable Rob Snow, Humberside Police, whilst the bagpipes played the haunting lament “Oft in the Stily Night”. Six further candles were then lit on the altar to honour the sacrifice of all police officers who died in service, their supporting agencies and military colleagues, injured officers and the families and friends left behind.
S/Const Rob Snow, Humberside, enters with Memorial Candle Remembering the suffering and sacrifice of the children Royal Irish Regt Buglers sounding Last Post in the gallery
From high in the Gallery the sound of the buglers playing “Last Post” echoed throughout the Cathedral, whereupon the congregation observed a minute’s silence. The favoured police officers hymn, “Amazing Grace” concluded the formal proceedings. 
During the National Anthem the Union Standard was dipped at the altar in honour of all fallen UK police officers. 
The Precentor then dismissed the congregation as the Standards marched out to the tune “Highland Cathedral” The combined Pipes/Bugles and drums then led the retiring march, playing the rousing tune “Killaloe”, with locals and tourists taking photographs of the many police officers and Association members on parade. 
Standards on parade within the Cathedral Royal Irish Regt piper plays the lament throughout the Cathedral USC Honour Guard & retiring parade of Standards