WASHINGTON — Honolulu police officer Steve Favela and 144 other officers from across the country who died in the line of duty last year were remembered yesterday at the annual national memorial service on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Favela's widow, Barbara, and their four children listened in the audience as President Bush said the nation was grateful for the officers' service.

"It takes a special kind of person to serve in law enforcement," Bush said during the service. "To the moms and dads, husbands and wives, and sons and daughters who have got a hole in your heart today, I bring a collective hug from the people of the United States of America.

"A day like today I hope not only helps our families, but helps those who serve remember that a larger community here in this country stands with you, that we're grateful for your service."

Singling out Favela in his address, Bush said he and first lady Laura Bush "shared the grief" of his family.

Favela, a motorcycle officer, died Nov. 26 from injuries suffered five days earlier in an accident while escorting Bush's motorcade at Hickam Air Force Base.

Favela, 30, was the 12th Honolulu motorcycle officer to die in the line of duty since 1923. He was an eight-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department.

"His death is a reminder of the daily risks each officer assumes," Bush told the crowd during the sunny outdoor service.

After the short speech, Bush met with the survivors of the fallen officers who were from law enforcement agencies in 38 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the federal government.

Barbara Favela said in a statement that the memorial service was "a great honor" for her husband and the other officers who gave their lives serving their communities.

"I did get to speak with President Bush and he was very sincere in his comments to me," she said. "I was very touched that he remembered Steve in the address that he gave."

Favela said Bush even accepted a kiss from her 6-year-old daughter, Kiana.

"I would like to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support," she said.

More than 20,000 people, primarily peace officers, came from places such as San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, New York — even England, in the form of a dozen bobbies — to pay their respects.

Kate Parker, who was among a group of nine survivors of fallen officers from England, said she was "astounded" by the turnout for the memorial service.

"You are so proud of your police officers and so proud of what they do, it's amazing," said Parker, whose husband was killed in a traffic accident in 2005.

"It's a tough line of work we're in," said Deputy T.J. Strawn of Lancaster, Ohio, who was present to honor Deputy Ethan Collins, 29, of Lancaster.

Malia Rulon of Gannett News Service contributed to this report.

Reach Dennis Camire at dcamire@gns.gannett.com.