Flag-raising ceremony for Merchant Navy Day
Posted on Friday 19th August 2016
Newport City Council will hold a flag-raising ceremony to on Friday 2 September to commemorate Merchant Navy Day which takes place the following day.
A Red Ensign will be blessed and hoisted at the entrance to the Civic Centre to raise awareness of the country's continued dependence on seafarers.
Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader of Newport City Council, said: "We want to say thank you to all those in the Merchant Navy who have served our country in the past and today.
"Their bravery in the face of difficult and dangerous situations has sometimes not got the recognition it deserves so this is our chance to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices they have made."
The ceremony begins at 10am and service will be led by the Mayor's Chaplain Mr Graham Lynch.
It will include a reading by the Mayor, Councillor David Atwell, and a message from HRH The Earl of Wessex read by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent, Chris Freegard.
Joe Newton, of Newport Merchant Navy Association, will raise the flag. Members of the public are welcome to join the occasion which will also be attended by representatives from the armed services, councilors and employees.
Newport is supporting a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy's official flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.
HRH The Earl of Wessex, the charity's president, has endorsed the campaign, saying: "On this Merchant Navy Day, I very much hope you will support this campaign to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy."