A special event was held to commemorate the life of Stephen Lawrence who was murdered in a racist attack thirty years ago.

The murder of Stephen took place in south London on April 22, 1993, when he was just 18 years old.

Stephen Lawrence Day was created by the Stephen Lawrence Foundation as a celebration of his life and legacy.

Watford Observer: A Remember Me rose was planted in memory of Stephen.A Remember Me rose was planted in memory of Stephen. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

It exists to inspire a more equal, inclusive society, and to foster opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK.

To honour Stephen’s memory, police officers from the Three Rivers held a memorial in partnership with Three Rivers District Council at the Rose Garden, Three Rivers House in Rickmansworth on April 20.

Watford Observer: Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racist attack in South London on April 22, 1993Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racist attack in South London on April 22, 1993

A representative from the Watford African Caribbean Association was in attendance to plant a ‘Remember Me’ rose in memory of Stephen, with a memorial plaque.  

Joanne Wagstaffe, the chief executive of Three Rivers District Council said: “The national day of remembrance for Stephen Lawrence is an opportunity to remind us all of the values which today are associated with Stephen’s name – and the mark he has left on the world.

Watford Observer:

“The values of fairness and respect, the hope for a world that is truly free from discrimination and one in which we all play our part as active citizens.

“May this newly planted rose go on to be a symbol of this legacy for years to come, and a reminder that Stephen’s name be associated with hope for a fairer and better world.”

Watford Observer: Police officers, members of the Three Rivers District Council and a representative from the Watford African Caribbean Association attended the event. Police officers, members of the Three Rivers District Council and a representative from the Watford African Caribbean Association attended the event. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Three Rivers detective inspector Bhamra said: “The aim of this national day is to celebrate everything that Stephen was and could have become, as well as an opportunity for everyone to think about the part they play in creating a society in which everyone can flourish.

“As the police, this is hugely important to us - we want everyone to feel valued, supported and confident to live their life regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, disability or religion and we play a big part of this.”

Detective inspector Bhamra added the police is working to developing a greater understanding of discrimination.