MANILA -- Marikina City celebrated its 19th Police Memorial Day on Sunday, to commemorate the job well done by veteran police officers who had long passed away and pay tribute to the living cops who risk their lives daily to stop crime.

Police officers who are still on the streets, doing their jobs, have expressed appreciation for the rare event that extols the heroism of cops.

The annual commemoration of the city, which is now in its 19th year, aims to recognize the courage and dedication displayed by policemen ?who had passed on and whose legacy continues to be a source of inspiration for the local community,? said Marikina?s civic action team, the organizers of the event, in a statement.

Supt. Sotero Ramos, Marikina chief of police, in his address to the memorial?s attendees said Marikina?s commemoration was rare and heartwarming.

?The expression of recognition you are giving to the police force is a golden treasure we cherish,? he said.

Ramos added in an interview that a pat on the back was just as important to ordinary cops as the medals they received.

?We at the PNP also give recognition to our comrades in arms who have died but it is different if the recognition comes from the community itself. We feel we are loved,? said Ramos.

?Sa inyo kami kumukuha ng lakas upang magampanan ang sinumpaan naming tungkulin (We get the strength to do our jobs from the people),? he added.

National Capital Region Police Office Director Geary Barias expressed gratitude for Marikina?s memorial when he appeared as guest of honor.

Sunday?s memorial was highlighted by a civic/ military parade at 8 a.m. where participants from the Philippine National Police Academy, the local government of Marikina, Department of Education, the Metro Manila Development Authority and other uniformed personnel held a procession from the Freedom Park to the Loyola Memorial Park in Barangay Barangka.

Local government and police officials facilitated a blessing of and a floral offering for the graves of police officers buried at the police memorial plot there.

Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando said on Sunday, the event was meant, not only to recognize those who died in the line of the duty, but also the living, who have been risking their lives day in and out to fight crime.

Last week, in preparation for the Police Memorial Day, the city's civic action team conducted a medical-dental mission for the benefit of Marikina's police officers and their dependents.