Ceremony to honour our Merchant Navy

On Tuesday 3 September, Dorset Council will honour Merchant Navy seafarers by holding a flag-raising ceremony at County Hall in Dorchester at 9.30am.

Merchant Navy Day acknowledges the brave men and women of the Merchant Navy, who in both World Wars kept our Island nation afloat, and in peacetime continue to face the routine perils of violent storms and mountainous seas to transport everyday items like food and fuel.

The ceremony will be led by Vice-Chair of the council, Cllr Les Fry BEM, and Merchant Navy Branch Chairman, Captain David Knight will be attending as well as members of Weymouth & Portland Merchant Navy with members of Royal Naval Association and Weymouth Sea Cadets.

Also attending will be Captain David Parsons MNM, National Secretary of Merchant Navy Association with Dignitaries including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Angus Campbell CVO, the Mayor & Mayoress of Dorchester, Cllr Robin Potter and Mrs Val Potter, the Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell and the Mayor of Portland Cllr Sheila Miles and her Escort Deputy Mayor Cllr Charlie Flack.

Cllr Les Fry said, “In tribute to the commitment, bravery and self-sacrifice of our current and former seafarers, we are proud to raise the Red Ensign to support Merchant Navy Day. The Merchant Navy has played a crucial part in our history, keeping supply lines open during two World Wars and reaching far-away places of the world like the Falklands to defend our citizens.

“Today, there are around 80,000 men and women working at sea. They continue to bring in over 90% of our imports. We owe them our deep respect and gratitude.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend.