Celebration spans the generations
ARMED Forces veterans and Ormskirk Primary School children helped West Lancashire Borough Council mark Commonwealth Day 2017.
The celebrations took place outside the council offices in Derby Street, Ormskirk, on Monday, March 13.
A message from the Commonwealth Secretary-General was read out by Cllr Yvonne Gagen, deputy leader of the borough council. The mayor Cllr Liz Savage gave an address and a specially-written Commonwealth affirmation was read by veteran Tony Hamer.
Then an Ormskirk Primary School pupil helped veterans raise the Commonwealth flag.
Cllr Savage said: “I am really proud that West Lancashire joined people across the world in raising the Commonwealth flag, and I was pleased that the veterans and children could join us on this very special occasion.”
After the flag was raised, everyone was invited to witness a single commemorative act marking the centenary of WWI. A two-minute silence was held and the schoolchildren read wartime nursery rhymes.
Cllr Savage then lit three candles as a reminder to all, not only of the sacrifices made during the past 100 years through conflicts in which this country has been involved, but also as a symbol of hope that we will work towards understanding between peoples.
This year’s flag raising event built on those in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and more than 850 Commonwealth flags raised in locations throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK overseas territories, and Commonwealth countries.