LYON, France – INTERPOL member countries are observing the International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Officers on 7 March, marking the sacrifice of police who have died in the line of duty.
Across time zones and all continents, from small communities to global capitals, coordinated acts of remembrance are being held, including the illumination of iconic landmarks in INTERPOL blue — among them:
- the Obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina; the National Carillon in Canberra, Australia; the Grand-Place in Brussels, Belgium; Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria; the Ruinas de Huanchaca in Calama, Chile; Cerro de Monserrate in Bogotá, Colombia; Petřín Tower in Prague, Czech Republic; La Virgen de El Panecillo in Quito, Ecuador; the Monas National Monument in Jakarta, Indonesia; the Colosseum in Rome, Italy; Petra’s Treasury in Jordan; Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower, Malaysia; Ángel de la Independencia in Mexico City, Mexico; the Monaco Royal Palace; the Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand; the Quezon Memorial Shrine and BGen Rafael T. Crame Statue in Manila, Philippines; the Śląsko-Dąbrowski Bridge in Warsaw, Poland; and Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal.
Hundreds of buildings including police headquarters, government ministries, and notable civic structures are also being lit in blue across the world to mark the remembrance.
National ceremonies on the day include moments of silence, the lowering of the flag, the laying of wreaths, and the reading of the names of fallen officers.
The initiative, led by its member countries and coordinated by INTERPOL, recognizes the shared nature of law enforcement service and the universal dedication and sacrifices made by police officers.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:
“Every day, in every corner of the world, police officers put on a uniform, say goodbye to their families, and walk toward uncertainty, toward danger, toward a moment that may change their lives forever.
“We remember the men and women who chose to serve their communities – and who gave everything in that service.
Ceremonies to recognize the fallen were also held at INTERPOL’s General Secretariat in Lyon, France, and at its Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore.
INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe said:
“Today, we honour those who have fallen, those who continue to serve, and those who support them.
“Their sacrifice reminds us that policing is both a public mission and a truly vocational, personal commitment.”
Reflecting both national customs and the common recognition of the sacrifices made by police, the remembrance underlines the transnational nature of policing and the risks faced by law enforcement officers.
The day’s events underscore a shared understanding: while police service is rooted in local communities, its mission – to protect, serve and uphold justice – operates within an interconnected global framework, bound by international cooperation.
Note to Editors
In 2019, as the world’s largest police organization, and on behalf of the international policing community, INTERPOL designated 7 March as the International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Officers. It raises awareness about the dangers faced by police officers worldwide who have put public service above their own safety.