Merchant Navy Flag to Fly Over Guildhall

The Red Ensign is to fly over the Guildhall in Wrexham town centre next week to raise awareness of the UK’s on-going dependence of Merchant Navy Seafarers.

Wrexham Council is supporting a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.

More than 400 local authorities across the UK who have been invited by Seafarers UK and the Merchant Navy Association to participate in Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day.

Cllr David Griffiths, Armed Forces Champion, said: “Many Wrexham residents have been or still are serving with the Merchant Navy. Their loyal service is a tribute to the service and the incredible contribution they make to the national economy.”

As an “island nation” the UK relies on merchant Navy seafarers for 95% of imports including half of the food we eat. The UK has the largest ports industry in Europe and 75% of exports (by volume) are shipped from UK ports – some of which are supporting the campaign by encouraging visiting ships to sound their horns at 10 am on 3rd September.

A message regarding the day by the HRH The Earl of Wessex states: “On this Merchant Navy Day, I very much hope that you will support this campaign by Seafarers UK to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy. Too often they are the forgotten or invisible service; by raising the Red Ensign you will ensure that at least on this day they are remembered.

“Your act will mean so much to their families and to the retired, but most especially to those at sea.”

The flag will fly over the Guildhall in Wrexham on Thursday 3rd September.