Shropshire Council flying the flag for Merchant Navy seafarers

Shropshire Council is flying the Red Ensign in recognition of seafarers and to mark Merchant Navy Day on Sunday 3 September 2023.

Merchant Navy Day 2023.
L to R: Tony Sandford, Brian Williams, vice chair of Shropshire Council, John Brown, Ian Nellins, deputy leader of Shropshire Council, serving submariner Darren Davies, Graham Meredith, Shrewsbury Royal Naval Association (RNA) chair and Colin Hopkisson, Shrewsbury RNA vice chair.

The Seafarers’ Charity encourages organisations to fly the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day to remind people to honour and remember the sacrifices of the often forgotten, but very hard-working, Merchant Navy seafarers who are responsible for shipping over 95% of the UK’s trade.

The charity campaigns on safety, equality and working conditions for seafarers.

Lezley Picton, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:-

“As a landlocked county we are especially proud to support Merchant Navy Day and to fly the Red Ensign outside Shirehall. The role of the Merchant Navy and the effect the seafarers have on our day to day lives is rarely recognised.

“Goods are shipped around the world, but we rarely stop to consider how they arrive on our shores and in our homes, or the sacrifice of long spells away from family and friends the seafarers experience too.

“It is also important to remember the role of the Merchant Navy in times of conflict and the support and bravery shown by officers and crews carrying on their work and assisting the Armed Forces.”

To find out more about Merchant Navy Day and the Seafarers Charity visit: https://www.theseafarerscharity.org/merchant-navy-fund/merchant-navy-day