More than 800 members of the British security forces who died in Northern Ireland during the Troubles were honoured yesterday at the unveiling of a memorial in England.
Around 400 relatives, friends and former comrades of those killed attended a ceremony to dedicate The Ulster Ash Grove at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Representatives from the British government, army, Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Prison Service joined senior figures from the North's four main churches for the service in memory of those who died between 1969 and 2001. Wreaths were laid and 33 white doves, one to represent each year of the Troubles, were released.
The grove comprises 719 trees, planted by the trustees of the arboretum to represent each serving member of the armed forces killed.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service planted 29 trees, one for each prison officer killed.
Northern Secretary Paul Murphy said: "Today is a day to remember and honour those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that Northern Ireland has become a better place for everyone." - (PA)