Uniformed officers, city officials and family members joined together today to pay tribute to the 203 officers who have died while serving the Los Angeles Police Department since 1907.

Two members of the LAPD Honor Guard carry a wreath with 203 carnations -- one for each officer killed in the line of duty. The one red flower is for SWAT Officer Robert J. Cottle, who died this year in Afghanistan. (Photo: Eric Richardson)

Chief Charlie Beck shared his memories of fallen officers he had served with, and praised their willingness to die in the service of those they have not met.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa echoed that point. "They did it because they knew it was their job," he said.

After a formal ceremony in which the names of all 203 officers were read, family members were lead by a Los Angeles Police Emerald Society bagpiper to the memorial honoring fallen officers that stands next to the new Police Administration Building. There they placed red roses next to the plaques.

The annual ceremony takes place the week before national Police Week, when the department will be represented in services in Washington, D.C.