COUNCIL chiefs marked Merchant Navy Day by raising the Red Ensign flag over the Civic Centre in Pershore.
The commemoration joined those around the UK in remembering all of the Merchant Navy sailors from Great Britain’s proud naval past and also to show support for today’s British seafarers.
District council chairman Coun Tony Rowley gave a short reading of thanks from HRH The Earl of Wessex before Chaplain Rev Claire Lording led the prayers ahead of the flag, the symbol of the British Merchant Navy, being raised.
The flag will be raised in hundreds of villages, towns and cities across the UK to show support for the Merchant Navy, as well as to help highlight the work Seafarers UK, the charity that supports the maritime community.
Merchant Navy Day was established in 2000 by HM Government and is held on September 3 every year, the anniversary of the start of the Second World War when the merchant ship SS Athenia was torpedoed and sunk, with the loss of 128 passengers and crew.
“As an island nation we have always depended on merchant seafarers to defend our shores and import vital food and fuel,” Coun Rowley said.
“We’re pleased to be supporting the ‘Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day’ in honour of the brave merchant seafarers who have made the ultimate sacrifice throughout our history, but particularly during the two World Wars.”
