“Today is a day to pause and honour the sacrifice of 101 Alberta police and peace officers who have died in the line of duty since 1876.
“Each of these men and women answered the call to serve their community and carried out their duties with professionalism and courage. These officers made the ultimate sacrifice, but they are also, as the expression goes, ‘heroes in life’ who made a difference in their communities every day.
“The debt we owe our fallen officers is one that we cannot possibly repay, but we can – and must – honour their sacrifice by remembering them and paying our respects on occasions like this.
"We can also honour the fallen by showing gratitude to the police and peace officers serving today, who knowingly step into harm’s way so that the rest of us can live in peace and safety. Officers’ families also bear some of that burden, not knowing what dangers their loved ones will face each time they go on shift.
“Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day is also meant to acknowledge the profound loss suffered by the families, friends and colleagues of officers who have died in the line of duty. A grateful province also thinks of you today, and we offer you our sympathy, respect and gratitude.”