The sacrifice of 29 prison officers killed during the Troubles was recalled at the annual Northern Ireland Prison Service memorial service today.
The North's prisons minister, Paul Goggins, led tributes during the remembrance service at the Prison Service College in Millisle, Co Down.
Thirty members of the prison staff were killed due to their employment with the Prison Service, 29 of them between 1974 and 1993.
Speaking at the ceremony Mr Goggins said throughout very difficult years at the Maze, Belfast and other prison establishments, staff had performed their duties to the highest standard against a backdrop of murder threats and intimidation.
He said: "Twenty nine members of staff paid the ultimate sacrifice during the troubles and it is because of the dedication and commitment of these individuals and their colleagues that Northern Ireland today is a lot brighter than it was during that period.
"We owe the Prison Service a huge debt of gratitude."
The minister said the work of a prison officer was largely unseen by the outside world but that the contribution they made to society was immeasurable.