Council flies the flag for Commonwealth Day

Shropshire Council is flying the Commonwealth Flag in celebration of Commonwealth Day.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Sir Algernon Heber-Percy, and the Chairman of Shropshire Council, Malcolm Pate, raised the flag at Shirehall in Shrewsbury on Monday 10 March 2014.

As part of the ceremony, Councillor Pate read the Commonwealth Affirmation, and the Lord-Lieutenant read a personal message from Her Majesty The Queen.

Similar flag-raising ceremonies took place on Monday at councils throughout the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Commonwealth Day is an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of Commonwealth organisations, which aim to improve the lives of citizens.  It is celebrated on the second Monday in March every year.

The theme for 2014 is #TeamCommonwealth, which expresses the spirit of friendship and motivation towards the shared goals and values that exist between Commonwealth members.

Councillor Malcolm Pate said:

“This is the first time the council has celebrated Commonwealth Day in this way and we are proud to fly the flag, just as many other councils are doing across the country.”