Members of the new Police Service of Northern Ireland were tonight urged never to forget the sacrifices made by the men and women of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
At a special service of thanksgiving held at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast, the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Robin Eames, paid tribute to the "service, dedication, sacrifice and leadership" of the RUC.
"If in the years to come in this Province, the new police service is ever allowed to forget the sacrifice of the RUC or to lose the lessons of a community that has worn its injury and hurt with such dignity, then the police service will be the poorer," he said.
Hundreds of people packed into the imposing cathedral to give thanks to a police force that lost 302 officers during 30 years of the Troubles.
The guests included serving officers, former officers, those who had been disabled in terrorist outrages and the families of those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who has announced his intention to retire in the spring, said members felt a tinge of sadness at events of the past but looked forward to a bright future.
"Today we are here to celebrate the work of the RUC but also to look forward to an exciting future with the Police Service of Northern Ireland."
Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid, who attended the service, said it was a day to remember the sacrifices and stalwart support the RUC have given over the years.
"When you recognise the number of people who have been killed in the combating of terrorism, the number of officers who have been injured, today everyone is coming together to remember that and I am honoured to be here today to do that."
However not all welcomed the change in the North’s police force title or the proposed change in the badge and symbols of the force.
Mrs Iona Meyer, chairwoman of the RUC Widow Association said it was a sad day, adding she would continue to fight to keep the name and insignia of the RUC.
PA