Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Memorial Service for Firefighters Who Lost Their Lives on Duty held in Tokyo.

The Memorial Service was intended to honor the achievements of firefighters and those who suffered hardships while cooperating in firefighting activities, who unfortunately lost their lives on duty, and to show deep respect and appreciation for their souls, and has been held annually since 1982. This year will observe the 32nd Memorial Service. The Prime Minister offered a silent prayer and delivered a memorial address, and then offered a flower.

The Prime Minister said in his memorial address,

"I would like to offer a memorial address at this, the 32nd Memorial Service for Firefighters Who Lost Their Lives on Duty.
I pray for the repose of the souls of the 8 firefighters, firefighting personnel, and those who cooperated with the firefighting activities, who are newly enshrined.
These are the people who participated in firefighting activities during the fire at the industrial complex in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, in September last year, or were engaged in search activities for missing persons in Aga Town, Niigata Prefecture in May of this year.
I express my sincere respect and appreciation for the strong sense of mission and courage that all these people demonstrated firsthand.
My heart is filled with an immense grief when I think of the sorrow of those who have lost their beloved family members, and I express my heartfelt sympathies for them.
It is truly a tremendous loss for society to have lost these brave individuals.
In order to not waste the great sacrifice of the 5,679 souls who have been enshrined to date, and to respond to their wishes, we must make our utmost efforts to promote disaster countermeasures that protect lives, and create the safest country in the world.
I once again pray for the repose of the souls and for the peace of mind of the bereaved family members."