Red Ensign to be raised ahead of Merchant Navy Day

The Red Ensign is being raised at Sunderland Civic Centre today as preparations for Merchant Navy Day on Sunday continue.

The city council is supporting the event, organised by national charity Seafarers UK, to raise public awareness of the Merchant Navy’s massive contribution to the life of the ‘island nation’ of Great Britain.

Merchant Navy Day was first held in 2000, with the ‘Fly the Red Ensign’ campaign launched in 2015 to remind people of its national significance and encourage their support.

The Red Ensign will be raised on the civic centre flag pole outside the council chamber at 10am by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Doris MacKnight, accompanied by Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, Colonel Varn Jassal TD, and Captain Stephen Healy of Trinity House in Newcastle.

Coun MacKnight said: “I am proud to represent the people of our city at this event, and honoured to raise the famous Red Ensign on their behalf.

“Sunderland is a city by the sea with a rich maritime heritage, and home to a community that recognises and appreciates the contribution made by the Merchant Navy to all our lives.

“I hope people will support Merchant Navy Day, and be encouraged to pay their own personal tributes by seeing the Red Ensign flying proudly at the civic centre over the weekend.”

Before the flag is raised next Friday morning, the Mayor will invite Colonel Varn Jassal, TD, Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear to read out a message from HRH The Earl of Wessex KG, GCVO who is the President of Seafarers UK which raises funds to help seafarers and their families in need.

Captain Healyill then say a few words about the Merchant Navy and the service and sacrifice of all those who have sailed under the Red Ensign.