National Police Remembrance Day – Sep. 29, 2026

National Police Remembrance Day
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Australia
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Every September 29
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National Police Remembrance Day honors the dedicated men and women who have died serving their communities every September 29. Take a moment to reflect on their sacrifice, attend a memorial service, or support police welfare organizations.

Want to sponsor National Police Remembrance Day? Learn how

Expected National Police Remembrance Day Deals

On National Police Remembrance Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to profound acts of recognition and support for police employees and their families. Organizations like the Police Federation of Australia and Legacy Australia often coordinate fundraising drives and awareness campaigns. Many local businesses, particularly those with strong ties to emergency services, may offer special acknowledgments or contribute to police welfare funds. Look for initiatives from financial institutions like Police Bank that serve law enforcement personnel, or mental health support organizations such as Beyond Blue, which may highlight resources for first responders. Community groups and RSL clubs across Australia also host memorial events and collect donations for police families. We will update this page with confirmed live support initiatives as September 29 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Police Remembrance Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #PoliceRemembranceDay. Share stories of community support for police.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #PoliceRemembranceDay. Share messages of gratitude and links to memorial services.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PoliceRemembranceDay. Post photos from local memorial events and pay tribute to fallen officers.

Social Media Tips for National Police Remembrance Day

Individuals

Observe a moment of silence at 10:00 AM, wear a blue ribbon, or attend a local memorial service to honor fallen officers.

Creators

Produce a respectful video highlighting the importance of police service and the sacrifices made, sharing stories from police families or community leaders.

Brands

Partner with a police welfare organization for a donation drive, offer special recognition to police employees, or sponsor a local memorial event.

Partners & Brands for National Police Remembrance Day

  1. Australian Federal Police (AFP)

    Established in 1979, the AFP is the principal federal law enforcement agency of Australia. They play a key role in national security, counter-terrorism, and protecting Australian interests both domestically and internationally. The AFP actively participates in remembrance ceremonies.

  2. Police Federation of Australia

    The peak body representing over 60,000 police officers across Australia, the Federation advocates for the rights and welfare of its members. They are instrumental in organizing and promoting National Police Remembrance Day events and supporting police families.

  3. Legacy Australia

    Founded in 1923, Legacy is a charity providing services to Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or parent during or after their service. They extend their support to police families, recognizing their parallel sacrifices.

  4. Police Bank

    Established in 1964, Police Bank is a member-owned financial institution exclusively serving Australian police officers, their families, and the wider policing community. They often support police welfare initiatives and remembrance events.

  5. Beyond Blue

    An Australian mental health and wellbeing support organization, Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone achieve their best possible mental health. They offer specific resources for first responders, including police, acknowledging the unique challenges of their profession.

  6. RSL (Returned and Services League of Australia)

    Founded in 1916, the RSL is one of Australia's oldest and most respected service organizations, providing support for current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their families. They often collaborate on remembrance events that include police.

  7. Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation

    Established in 1998, this foundation honors Victorian police officers killed in the line of duty by perpetuating their memory through the support of public hospitals. They transform hospital wards and emergency departments into living memorials.

National Police Remembrance Day Hero

The Fallen Australian Police Officer

National Police Remembrance Day honors the collective sacrifice of every Australian police officer who has died in the line of duty or through illness and other circumstances. These brave men and women embody courage, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. Their legacy is etched in the communities they protected and the laws they upheld, serving as a solemn reminder of the profound risks inherent in their vital profession. This day ensures their service is never forgotten.

History of National Police Remembrance Day

The police serve an important role in society. Becoming a police officer is not an easy thing. A career within the police can be diverse. There are different roles that a person can aspire to. In addition to serving as a police officer, you can also choose civilian roles such as a communication officer, command and dispatch officer, and working in H.R.

Being a police officer is dangerous and they are at risk all the time. Many police officers have lost their lives while doing their job. National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity to honor police employees who have lost their lives not only while they were doing their job, but also under other circumstances.

The role of a police officer is challenging, but also rewarding. Police officers are law enforcement agents and they are tasked with keeping the peace among citizens. A police officer serves to maintain law and order in local areas by protecting members of the public and their property, preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime, and improving the quality of life for all citizens. National Police Remembrance Day was first declared in 1989 to coordinate the dates that Australasian and Pacific police jurisdictions acknowledged the sacrifice made by their members.

National Police Remembrance Day timeline

1964
United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

A.F.P. officers serve with the United Nations in Cyprus, East Timor (Timor-Leste), and South Sudan.

1979
The Australian Federal Police is Formed

On October 19, the Australian Police is formed under the Australian Federal Police Act 1979.

1984
The Australian Federal Police is Separated

The protective service component of the A.F.P. is separated and forms the Australian Protective Service under the administrative service.

1989
National Police Remembrance Day is First Declared

This day was decided to be held in 1989 to coordinate the dates Australasian and Pacific police jurisdictions acknowledged the sacrifice given by their members.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Police Remembrance Day

Local businesses can show their support for National Police Remembrance Day by observing a moment of silence and displaying a blue ribbon in their premises. Consider making a donation to a police welfare charity like the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation or Legacy Australia, or offering a special discount to serving police officers as a gesture of appreciation. Restaurants could host a ‘blue plate special’ with a portion of proceeds going to a relevant cause. Engaging with local police stations to offer small tokens of gratitude can also foster goodwill and community spirit.

National Police Remembrance Day FAQs

When is National Police Remembrance Day?

National Police Remembrance Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, September 29, providing a mid-week opportunity for reflection and community gatherings across Australia.

How many Australian police officers have died in the line of duty?

Since 1803, over 890 Australian police officers have died in the line of duty, with each year adding to this somber count as officers continue to face inherent dangers.

Is National Police Remembrance Day observed outside Australia?

Yes, National Police Remembrance Day is also observed in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands, reflecting a shared commitment to honoring police service in the region.

What is the significance of the blue ribbon on National Police Remembrance Day?

The blue ribbon is a widely recognized symbol of remembrance for police officers who have died in the line of duty. Wearing it signifies respect and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

How to Observe National Police Remembrance Day

  1. Remember local police officers

    This day is perfect to honor police officers. There may be police officers in your community who lost their lives doing their job and this will be a good opportunity to honor them.

  2. Attend an event

    There are different events held in Australia to honor police officers on this day. Vigils, marches, and services are also held.

  3. Share a post on Instagram

    This day will be a good opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of police officers' work and how risky it is. So much so that many police officers have lost their lives while working.

5 Facts About Australian Police

  1. The Night Watch

    The first civilian police force in Australia was known as the Night Watch and was formed by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1789 to guard Sydney Town.

  2. Police Week

    It is held across the country from Saturday 17 September to Thursday 29 September.

  3. Riding bikes to celebrate Police Week

    Events held during Police Week include the Wall to Wall Ride, a 100km Century Bike Ride.

  4. Police officers are trained

    The training that police officers undertake is comprehensive and includes both physical and academic challenges.

  5. Works benefits

    A career as a police officer offers excellent work benefits since they earn a great salary and superannuation package.

Why National Police Remembrance Day is Important

  1. Police officers aim at enforcing law

    Police officers act in an organized manner. This is mainly to enforce the law by discovering, deterring, rehabilitating, or punishing people who violate the rules and norms governing that society.

  2. It’s an opportunity to honor police officers

    Police officers who have died while working made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the community. That is why this day is so important.

  3. Raising awareness

    This day is also a good opportunity to raise awareness about the fact that police officers are always at risk when doing their job. This is mostly unknown by many people.

National Police Remembrance Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 29 Tuesday
2027 September 29 Wednesday
2028 September 29 Friday
2029 September 29 Saturday
2030 September 29 Sunday