The inaugural Service of Prayer and Remembrance was held at Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire, on Saturday, 30th July 2005. 

The day's events commenced when the PUMA group was coached to Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire, arriving at 10.00am. The hospitality of the Cathedral staff was much in evidence and the party proceeded on a guided tour of the imposing building, followed by light refreshments in the Cathedral Visitor's Centre at 11.00am, courtesy of PUMA.
Vehicles of the Metropolitan Historical Fleet outside Lichfield Cathedral
Upon leaving the Visitor's Centre, the congregation entered the Cathedral via the magnificent West entrance.
Special permission had been obtained to park four vehicles, provided by the Metropolitan Police Historical Fleet, outside the main doors. The West Midlands Police Piper played sombre tunes as the congregation were seated within the Lady Chapel. 

The altar had already been dressed with RUC GC caps, a Merseyside PC's Helmet, a Lothian and Borders WPC's cap, a South Wales PC's Helmet and a British Army Kevlar Helmet. This symbolised the unity between the four regions of the UK and also the support provided to the police by our military colleagues. The mood was further enhanced by the sunlight shining through the beautiful 16th Century Herckenrode Stained Glass windows.  The haunting strain of the police piper playing Highland Cathedral slowly filled the air as the officiating clergy, the Venerable Christopher Liley, Archdeacon of Lichfield and the Reverend W.J Watson, MBE BA, chaplain to the Ulster Special Constabulary Association, entered the Lady Chapel.

To the sound of the hymn, Oh God our help in ages past, the numerous Standards were paraded down the aisles. 
David Langston, Leicestershire Police, carried the Union Standard which had been flying from the United Nations Building, New York, on "9/11" whereupon it was received in the Sanctuary and given a place of honour on the altar.

The Rt. Hon Michael Fabricant, MP for the Lichfield constituency, read the welcoming address. 
Members of the Police, Fire, Medical services and Armed Forces were amongst the congregation who heard their fallen and injured colleagues remembered. A prayer was especially included for the members of the Metropolitan Police Service and all those injured or killed in the recent London bombings. He closed his address by inviting all present to 
"remember the families with whom we are commemorating the loss of a close relative."

Following the bible reading, Revelation 21: 1-7, and the hymn "Be Thou my Vision" the call to remembrance was lead by Constable Troy Cannon, Staffordshire Police asking that "this day of tribute make us aware of the good service and the constant vigilance of those whose duties are concerned with our well being."

Margaret Logan, Royal Ulster Constabulary GC Widow, gave the second reading, calling upon the congregation to 
"Remember the sacrifice of those who served in the police forces of theUnited Kingdom, for the peace and order of our society"

Individual candles were then lit at the Shrine of St Chad;
For those officers who served and went before us, within Great Britain and abroad.
For our fallen and injured colleagues in the RIC, RUC GC, RUC GC Reserve and PSNI.
For our fallen comrades in the Special Constabularies of England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
For the support given by our military colleagues, and for those who have given their lives in the pursuit of peace.
For all the parents who have suffered the untimely loss of their children whilst in service.
For those who suffer mental and physical trauma as a result of their police service.
For the suffering and sacrifice of the children.

With the flames slowly flickering, those present took a moment to reflect on their own service within the policing family, or the loss of their relatives and friends. A police bugler then sounded the Last Post as not only the Lady Chapel, but also the entire Cathedral itself, observed a minute's silence. To witness ordinary people, not even part of the congregation, come to a standstill in honour of fallen police officers, was truly a humbling experience.  As the Reveille was sounded the Service concluded with the Lord's Prayer, followed by the hymn, "God is Love, let Heaven adore Him". During the hymn the Standards were returned, with the 9/11 Union Standard remaining at the front of the altar as all others lined the aisles. At the sounding of the National Anthem the Union Standard was dipped in Royal Salute as an act of homage to the fallen officers from the United Kingdom & abroad. 
Photo Line up of participating Standards at the West Entrance The Archdeacon of Lichfield then dismissed the congregation and the Standards marched off, to take up their positions as a guard of honour outside the Cathedral. With the emergence of the congregation, there were ample opportunities for photographs and conversations with old and new friends alike. All shared their tears and laughter openly.

After twenty minutes the call rang out, "Ladies and Gentlemen, make way for the colours!!"  The Standards then marched off in unison, lead by the police pipes and drums playing "Killaloe"