Council to fly the flag for Commonwealth Day

Shropshire Council will be flying the flag on Monday 10 March 2014 in celebration of Commonwealth Day.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Sir Algernon Heber-Percy, and the Chairman of Shropshire Council, Malcolm Pate, will be raising the Commonwealth Flag at Shirehall in Shrewsbury.

Members of the public are invited to attend, and are asked to gather near to the Shirehall flag pole at 9.50am.  The ceremony will start shortly before 10am.

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

Similar flag-raising ceremonies will be taking 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.

Malcolm Pate said:

“This is the first time the council has celebrated Commonwealth Day in this way, and we warmly invite people to come along and join us at the flag-raising ceremony.”