The Prince’s Palace was illuminated in blue this Saturday 7th March as part of a worldwide commemoration organised by Interpol to mark its annual Remembrance Day for police officers killed in the line of duty. 

Member countries were invited to light up police stations, public buildings and national landmarks in blue to honour officers who died while on duty. The tribute moved from one time zone to the next through the course of the day.

Throughout the world, the day was marked with moments of silence, lowering of flags, laying of wreaths, and reading names of fallen officers.

Interpol also shared photographs and testimonies from officers around the world as part of the event.

The commemoration gave an opportunity to reflect on the personal cost of this career choice, where men and women – real human beings behind the uniform – take on the risk of the job in service of public safety.

“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,” said Interpol’s Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza.

Monaco’s historic connection with Interpol

“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,” added Interpol President Lucas Philippe.

Monaco has longstanding ties to international policing. In 1914, Prince Albert I hosted the first International Criminal Congress in the Principality, an early step towards what eventually became the International Criminal Police Organisation – Interpol.

Today, Monaco is one of the organisation’s 195 members.

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Main photo credit: Stéphane Danna, Communication’s Department