THE RED Ensign was flying proudly outside the Civic Centre last week in honour of Britain’s merchant seafarers.
Coun Alex Sinton, chairman of Wychavon District Council, raised the flag in support of Merchant Navy Day on September 3. The annual event is run by the Seafarers Charity and honours the brave men and women who kept the UK afloat during both World Wars.
It also celebrates modern day Merchant Navy seafarers who are responsible for more than 90 per cent of the UK’s imports.
Organisations across the country are urged to fly the Red Ensign – used by British merchant or passenger ships – as a symbol of remembrance and to raise awareness of the important contribution they make to the country.
The campaign is one close to Coun Sinton’s heart as his father Alan served in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War.
“We owe so much to Merchant Navy seafarers, past and present, but too often they are forgotten about.
We hope flying the Red Ensign will help raise awareness amongst the public of this critical service,” he said.
Visit www.theseafarerscharity.org to find out more about Merchant Navy Day and the work of the charity.
