Flying the flag for seafarers
RED ENSIGN WILL BE RAISED AT CIVIC CENTRE IN CELEBRATION OF MERCHANT NAVY DAY
The Red Ensign will be raised at Sunderland Civic Centre to help prepare for Merchant Navy Day this weekend.
The 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, which takes place on Saturday, was first held in 2000, with the ‘Fly the Red Ensign’ campaign launched last year to remind people of its national significance and encourage their support.
Sunderland City Council is one of the local authorities invited to raise the flag on Friday at civic buildings across the country, preparing people for Saturday’s commemorative events.
The Red Ensign will be raised on the civic centre flag pole outside the council chamber at 10am on Friday by the mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alan Emerson, accompanied by Captain Steve Healy of Trinity House in Newcastle, with the public invited to attend to show their support.
Coun Emerson 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 on Friday morning, the Mayor will invite Major Eric Ingram, 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.
The message from HRH The Earl of Essex will read: “On this Merchant Navy Day, I very much hope you will support this campaign by Seafarers UK to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of the Merchant Navy.
“Too often they are the forgotten or invisible service, by raising the Red Ensign you will ensure that at least on this day they are remembered. Your act will mean so much to their families and to the retired, but most especially to those at sea.”