Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attended the Memorial Service for Firefighters Who Lost Their Lives on Duty in the Wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Others held in Tokyo in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

The Memorial Service has been held annually since 1982. This year, with as many people as 226 firefighters and firefighting personnel having lost their lives on duty as a result of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the memorial service was held to honor the achievements of and show respect and appreciation for 239 people, including those who lost their lives on duty in other disasters.   

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 pray for the repose of the souls of 239 firefighting personnel and those who cooperated with the firefighting activities, who are newly enshrined.
In areas struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people engaged in rescue, evacuation, and other efforts at the risk of their own lives as a major tsunami approached them and unfortunately lost their lives. Additionally, across the country, many people lost their lives on duty during firefighting activities, rescue efforts, and training activities. I express my sincere respect and appreciation for the strong pride and sense of mission that everyone demonstrated firsthand and for their deep compassion for others. On the other hand, 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.
In order to meet the wishes of the 5,654 souls who have been enshrined to date, we will make utmost efforts to create a secure and safe country that can also withstand major disasters beyond our expectations. I once again pray for the repose of the souls and for the peace of mind of the bereaved family members."