A  police color guard enters the Great Auditorium, signalling the start of the Memorial Service. All photographs and text  by Paul Goldfinger, editor @Blogfinger. ©

Multiple color guards wait inside. ©

Today, Tuesday, May 19, 2015, was the 31st Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service in the Ocean Grove Great Auditorium. It is the oldest event of its kind in the U.S. Five officers  who lost their lives in the line of duty this past year were honored along with others who were previously lost.  The youngest one was only 22 years old, and he died just five months ago.

Many dignitaries including Gov. Chris Christie, were present to offer prayers, gratitude, remembrances and condolences.

Gov. Christie on stage before the ceremony. ©

Over a thousand law enforcement personnel were present in dress uniforms including large groups from the New Jersey State Police, Newark and Jersey City PD’s.

Neptune Township Police Chief James Hunt and his police were there along with  representatives of PD’s from around the state, plus federal, county and state agencies.

Jersey City Police Department. ©

The Governor presented plaques, hugs, and kind words to the families of the 5 men. To the survivors he promised, “We care about you.”

West Windsor-Plainsboro High School choral groups get ready in the choir loft. They got to sing in the Great Auditorium with the famous Hope-Jones organ. It was beautiful. ©

“You Raise Me Up” was performed by Tyrone McAllister of the ASbury Park PD.  The version below is by the Celtic Woman.