A Memorial March ceremony is set to take place which will honour all firefighters and police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The public is invited to join Red Deer Emergency Services and the RCMP for the ceremony on Sept. 11.

Honour Guards from Red Deer Emergency Services and the RCMP will be on the west steps of City Hall for the ceremony, which starts at 9:30 a.m. Members from the County of Red Deer Fire Department will also be in attendance.

Both the Canada and City of Red Deer flags will be lowered to half-mast. Emergency Services Honour Guards will lay a wreath of remembrance, taking time to remember and reflect on the loss of RCMP, emergency services and firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their community. Attendees will observe a minute of silence and the emergency services’ chaplain will offer a few words. A local piper will provide music.

“I think the reality is the work that the RCMP and Emergency Services do can get to be dirty work in very short order. It’s dangerous at times and we’ve had people pay the ultimate sacrifice. It’s very important not to forget them, but also to honour them,” said Supt. Brian Simpson. “It’s just a small token of appreciation.”

The service will also recognize the 10th anniversary of the attacks that took place on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

“I think the public can identify with 9/11 and the events that happened,” said Clare Kinney, Emergency Services Honour Guard.

She added the memorial will also recognize police officers and firefighters who have died from illness as a result of doing their job.

“Police officers and firefighters are both exposed to so many things that can cause a lot of different cancers and we’ve had many who have died as a result of these illnesses and it’s important to recognize them as well.”

Attendees of the event are asked to gather on the sidewalk near the north/west corner of City Hall.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com