Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attended the Memorial Service for Police Officers and Contributors Who Lost Their Lives on Duty or in an Attempt to Assist the Police or Save Peoples' Lives, held at a hotel in Tokyo.

The Memorial Service was intended for the repose of the souls of police officers who lost their lives on duty, and others who lost their lives while cooperating in police activities or in an attempt to save peoples' lives, since the establishment of the police system in 1874. This year will observe the 40th Memorial Ceremony. 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 the eleven police officers who lost their lives on duty, who are newly enshrined, as well as those who lost their lives in an attempt to save others' lives.
Police officers around the nation who unfortunately lost their lives while on patrol duties or in training on the frontline, and those who threw themselves into the rescue efforts to save the lives of elementary and junior high school students at the cost of their own lives - the courage and lofty spirit these people have shown at the cost of their lives are a source of pride for our nation. On the other hand, my heart is filled with immense grief when I think of the sorrow of those who have lost their beloved family members, and I express my heartfelt sympathy for them.
In front of the 6,157 souls who have been enshrined here to date, I express my sincere respect and appreciation for the strong sense of mission, for the commitment to devote oneself to the public in the time of crisis, and for the deep compassion for others they all showed.
Carrying on their will, we will strive to realize a society with a sense of pride and hope that offers protection for the people against disasters as well as against crime. I once again pray for the eternal repose of the souls of the deceased, and for the peace of mind of the bereaved family members."