By Aaron Cordy
“AS THE sun surely sets, dawn will see it arise, for service, above self, demands its own prize. You have fought the good fight: life’s race has been run, and peace, your reward, for eternity begun. And we that are left, shall never forget, rest in peace, friend and colleague, for the sun has now set. We will remember. We will remember. Hasten the dawn.”
The haunting words of the Police Ode drifted across Monash Park, Shepparton, on Monday, September 29, as Victoria Police remembered their fallen brothers and sisters for Blue Ribbon Day, which coincides with National Police Remembrance Day.
Since the formation of the Victoria Police in 1853, 178 police officers have fallen in the line of duty. This year’s Blue Ribbon Day is a stark reminder of the risks and dedication Police Officers face every day after the recent tragedy in Porepunkah. Many local Police officers knew Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart.
“Today means a lot more to the members and to the community. I think we had double the amount this year compared to last year, which was expected,” said Victoria Police Chaplain David Doherty.
“For the former members who have a tie to Damien Eyre, being here means a lot to us to be able to acknowledge those members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and those who have died, who have worked for Victoria Police as well and celebrate them for the work they’ve done for our police community.”
Members of the wider community can find out more about how to support Blue Ribbon Day and the Blue Ribbon Foundation by visiting https://remember.org.au.
