Thousands of police and peace officers from across the country will gather on Parliament Hill to honour colleagues who have died in the line of duty today.

Niagara Regional Police Chief Jeff McGuire inspected the ranks of officers this morning in preparation for the Canadian Police And Peace Officers Memorial in Ottawa.

Chief McGuire encouraged all officers to remember and never forget the sacrifice of the fellow officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

In the past year one police and peace officer has made the ultimate sacrifice in keeping communities safe.

Constable Vincent Roy died December 1, 2011 from the Bromont Police Service.

Officers names are forever etched on the glass panels erected along the perimeter wall adjacent to the Memorial Pavilion which now totals 826 fallen officers.

The Service is a lasting tribute to the sacrifice of those brave men and women. "THEY ARE OUR HEROES, WE SHALL NOT FORGET THEM".

In 1998, the federal government officially proclaimed the last Sunday of each September as Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day.

This Service gives Canadians an opportunity to express their appreciation for the ultimate dedication of these police and peace officers.