For over a decade, The Seafarers’ Charity have led the “Fly The Red Ensign” campaign to champion the contributions made by the brave seafarers of the Merchant Navy.
Here in Wrexham, we will once again proudly take part on Thursday 3 September as we fly the Red Ensign from the Guildhall. This will honour the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve to ensure our island nation is kept afloat with supplies.
Flag raising ceremony at the Guildhall
We will be marking Merchant Navy Day with a short flag raising ceremony outside the Guildhall at 10.30 a.m. on Thursday 3 September.
For those wishing to come and observe the proceedings, everyone is welcome to do so.
The Red Ensign
The Red Ensign is the official flag of the UK Merchant Navy and is fondly known as the “Red Duster”.
Thanks to those who serve under it, the UK is kept well stocked in food, fuel and medical supplies. Many also support the Royal Navy through the Royal fleet Auxiliary.
During the second world war, the service suffered the first casualty of the conflict when the merchant vessel, S.S. Athenia, was torpedoed. 128 passengers and crew were lost just hours after hostilities were declared.
Since that day, 3 September has continued to be acknowledged as Merchant Navy Day.
Sadly, the sinking of the Athenia would not be the only tragedy. It was the first of many ships and seafarers who would unfortunately succumb to the same fate over the following years.
Ways to get involved
The Seafarers’ Charity has advised on ways you can show your support for Merchant Navy Day at home or in your community.
From raising your own Red Ensign Flag, to wearing a splash of red in your outfit on 3 September, it can all go towards marking this important day.
Support can also be shown over social media by using the hashtag #MerchantNavyDay. Social media toolkits and digital assets are available via the Seafarers’ Charity website.
The easiest way to spread the word is by word of mouth to your friends and family.
Cllr Beverley Parry-Jones, Armed Forces Champion said, “We here in Wrexham have a proud military history and we are immensely proud of those brave men and women who have served and continue to serve for our safety.
“Many members of our community have been part of the Merchant Navy past and present. This is why I am pleased to be acknowledging their bravery, dedication and loyal service by raising the Red Ensign.
“I hope many of you can join us as we pause to reflect on those who are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice so that we can maintain the peace we know in our day to day lives.”
The Mayor of Wrexham Cllr Jeremy Kent said, “To raise the Red Ensign above the Guildhall is both an honour and a privilege. As Mayor, I am proud to observe this ceremony as we give thanks to the services of those members of the Merchant Navy both here in Wrexham, and all over the UK.
“We pay our respects to them for their unwavering loyalty to their country and for fearlessly serving us all in both the past and present.
“Though we may never know the names or faces of these heroes, they will be in our thoughts and be given our most sincere thanks eternally.”
