USC Service of Remembrance, 28th July 2007

Honouring the members of the Ulster Special Constabulary who made the supreme Sacrifice.

Comrades, families and friends of the Ulster Special Constabulary Association travelled from Northern Ireland to the National Memorial Arboretum for the first Anniversary of the dedication of the USC Obelisk. 

The Obelisk was unveiled in July 2006 to commemorate the 243 officers who lost their lives between 1920 - 1970, whilst serving in the USC, and between 1970 -1999 whilst serving in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve, Her Majesty's Prison Service, the Ulster Defence Regiment and the Royal Irish Regiment, and those in civilian life.

The Service was conducted in the Millenium chapel at the National Memorial Arboretum by the Rev. Dr Paul Reid, Chaplain to the USC Association and afterwards wreaths were laid at the Obelisk.  The Ulster Special Constabulary Historical Platoon was also in attendance under the command of Sergeant Instructor McFarland.  The salute was then taken during the retiring parade by Mr WJ McFarlane, President.

Senior Police officers along with members of the Special Constabularies from Great Britain were in attendance at this event and were supported by members of the Royal Military Police Association, the Northern Ireland Veteran's Association, The Ulster Defence Regiment CGC Association, The Royal Ulster Constabulary George Gross Association, the Police Roll of Honour Trust and the Police Unity Memorial Association.

The members present then adjourned to the Visitors Centre for refreshments and a chance to renew friendships with mainland colleagues.

Many also took the opportunity to inspect the current and historic police vehicles, which had arrived from Lichfield Cathedral as part of the charity 'Blue Light Run'.