VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It was a sea of red and navy at Stanley Park’s Brockton Oval today. Hundreds of police and peace officers in uniform lined up to pay respects to their fallen colleagues at the 15th annual memorial.

It started out with a procession, speeches, and naming of the fallen heroes, along with the laying of wreathes.

For many of the families and friends in attendance who have lost loved ones, it was an emotional, yet proud day.

“I’m here to honour my brother who was killed in the line of duty,” explains Joanne, her eyes full of tears. “So, we’re here to honour him and all the officers that have sacrificed their lives for us.”

“I think about my brother every day; there’s not a day that my heart doesn’t feel for him,” she adds.

We spoke with another woman who currently has family members working as first responders.

“They pay a heavy price for what they do… I don’t think there’s enough recognition. I think we take the opportunities when we can to stand up alongside them. I have a nephew and I have a few good friends in the RCMP and a firefighter for a brother. Thank God they’re all well,” she tells us.

Police forces from both sides of the border were in attendance for the solemn ceremony. There were similar events held in Surrey, Victoria, and cities across Canada.