Council Celebrates Merchant Navy Seafarers
On Tuesday 3 September 2024, West Lancashire Borough Council will fly the Red Ensign to raise awareness of the UK’s dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.
The Red Ensign flag will be hoisted on the flagstaff outside the Council Offices at 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, at 10am on the day.
Members of the public are welcome to come to the ceremony, which will be attended by Councillor Julian Finch, Mayor of West Lancashire; Councillor Yvonne Gagen, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council; the Rev Phil Jump, Councillors, and senior Council officers.
The Council is supporting a nationwide call from the Seafarers Charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the Merchant Navy’s official flag affectionately known as “the Red Duster” to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.
HRH the Duke of Edinburgh has endorsed the campaign, saying: “Merchant Navy Day is the one moment we can acknowledge the invisible service. By flying the Red Ensign on this day, you will be recognising the approximately 80,000 men and women working at sea carrying around 95% of our island nation’s trade.
“Regrettably, it is only during times of war that the service enters our consciousness, as is sadly the case today with seafarers running the gauntlet in the Red Sea.
“This is our one opportunity to show our seafarers how much we value them, past and present, as well as their families".
The Mayor, Councillor Julian Finch said: “I am really pleased the Council has been given the opportunity to recognise the Merchant Navy by flying the Red Ensign. The people of the United Kingdom owe a debt of gratitude to the seafarers and the flag raising is an opportunity for us all to pay tribute to the work that they do.”
As an ‘island nation’ the UK relies on Merchant Navy seafarers for 95% of imports, including almost half the food we eat. The UK has the largest ports industry in Europe. 75% of our exports (by volume) are shipped from UK ports.
Visit the website https://www.merchantnavyfund.org/merchant-navy-day/ for more details on Merchant Navy Day.
