Test Valley Borough Council will be showing its support for the nation’s seafarers by holding flag raising ceremonies in Andover and Romsey on Saturday 3 September to mark national Merchant Navy Day.
The move follows 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.
Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Karen Hamilton, will read a message from HRH The Earl of Wessex in Andover High Street at 9.55am, before raising the Red Ensign flag – the official flag of the Merchant Navy – at the Guildhall at 10am. Former Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Iris Andersen, will carry out the same ceremony outside the Former Magistrates’ Court in Romsey. Flags will also be flown at the Council’s Beech Hurst offices in Andover and Crosfield Hall, Romsey.
President of Seafarers UK, HRH The Earl of Wessex, has endorsed the nationwide 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.”
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Ian Carr, added: “Our Merchant Navy seafarers do an incredible job and their hard work and sacrifices deserve to be recognised.”
For more information visit www.merchantnavyfund.org/merchant-navy-day