On Saturday morning, 28^th July 2007, the Police Unity Memorial Association hosted our 
3^rd Annual Service of Prayer & Remembrance at Lichfield Cathedral.

     

The proceedings commenced with a parade of Standards, serving and retired police officers from Dam Street to the West Entrance, lead by the Combined Services Pipe Band.  The Honour Guard was provided by the Ulster Special Constabulary Historical platoon, joined this year by the Ceremonial Association of Surrey Police Officers (CASPER)

Police officers had travelled from as far as Northern Ireland, Cumbria, the Isle of Man, Surrey, Norfolk and Wiltshire to join local Staffordshire officers in honouring the service and sacrifice of all police personnel throughout the United Kingdom.

Staffordshire Fire & Rescue, the Royal Military Police, the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Foundation, NARPO and many other groups were also represented.

The Dean of Lichfield Cathedral, the very Revd. Adrian Dorber welcomed all those in attendance calling upon them to 
“remember before God all who have given their lives in the service of humanity.”

Constable Troy Cannon, Staffordshire read the introduction, making special reference to the 763 UK military personnel who lost their lives supporting the police during Operation Banner.  He also invited the congregation to pray for  
"those whom we cannot welcome now, the officers currently patrolling their beats or otherwise deployed in every force, ensuring our safety and the safety of the general public."

Retired Sgt. Keith Hughes, North Yorkshire, and Margaret Logan, RUC GC Widow, led the Call to Remembrance with bible readings by the Revd Paul Reid and Constable Rich Jones, Wiltshire.

Several children, preceded by a solo piper playing “Amazing Grace” then placed police, military and fire helmets upon the altar, whereupon six candles were lit in remembrance of those who had served or died.

A bugler from the West Midlands Police sounded the “Last Post” and a minute’s silence descended upon the congregation.

At the end of the formal Service, the congregation emerged into Cathedral Close where members of the Police Vehicle Enthusiasts Club and serving officers from Surrey, Norfolk, Staffordshire and the Police Service of Northern Ireland had previously parked their liveried police vehicles.

Escorted by Staffordshire officers the police vehicles left the Cathedral Close at 1.00pm to take part in a charity ‘Blue Light Run’, travelling via the A38 to the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, with all proceeds being donated to Diabetes UK.

THE NEXT PUMA SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY 26th JULY 2008