National Police Memorial Day
Honoring sacrifices, brave guardians fallen in service, a silent salute echoes, their courage everlasting in memory.
Honor fallen officers and drive charitable donations through respectful memorial campaigns and community engagement tied to a solemn observance.
- Share stories of fallen officers and their legacies to inspire donations and remembrance
- Promote the official NPMD service and virtual attendance options to reach supporters nationwide
- Highlight corporate matching gift opportunities for police support charities on this day
- Feature employee volunteer opportunities with police memorial organizations
National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) was originally celebrated in the United Kingdom in 2004 when it was started as a charity to commemorate police officers who have died or been killed on duty. The exact date of the event varies as it is always scheduled to be observed near St. Michael’s Day, who was the Patron Saint of Policing, making it land on the closest Sunday to September 29.
The influence behind the founding of this day was Inspector Joe Holness QPM OBE, in response to the brutal killing of his colleague in December 2000, Kent police officer Jon Odell. The hope behind National Police Memorial Day is that the event would serve as an opportunity to remember and honor the courage and sacrifice of police officers throughout the country. The charity is supported by patron King Charles III, as well as the UK government and the UK police services.
Each year, a special church service is held in honor of National Police Memorial Day, with the location rotating each year between the four countries in the UK. The inaugural service in 2003 was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, changing cities and countries for subsequent years.
Attend the National Police Memorial Day Service
People who have lost a loved one or who simply choose to show respect for fallen police officers may want to observe the day by attending the official church gathering. It is necessary to register at the NPMD website and more details about location, time, and more can be found there. Those who are not able to attend in person can still get involved by connecting through different videos from past years’ services that are also available on the National Police Memorial Day website.
Remember a Police Officer
Folks who had a family member, friend or community member that was a police officer and died or was killed in the line of duty can set aside some time today to remember. This might include visiting the cemetery where they are buried, enjoy looking through some old photo albums, composing a poem or letter, or finding some other significant way to show respect and appreciation in honor of National Police Memorial Day.
Make a Donation to National Police Memorial Day
Those who are interested in helping with financial support for the charity as part of the observance of National Police Memorial Day can make a difference by making a donation to this or another police support charity. Those who make a one time or monthly donation through the NPMD website can leave a note on the page in memory of a special person.