A FLAG raising ceremony to honour Merchant Navy seafarers took place at County Hall in Trowbridge on Thursday (Sept 4), as part of a nationwide celebration.

Wiltshire Council is supporting a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag, the Red Ensign, to be flown on public buildings.

The chairman of the council Cllr Richard Britton, an ex-Merchant Navy Officer, was joined by Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Charles Bartholomew, former Merchant Navy seamen, members of the White Ensign Association and Sea Cadets for the ceremony.

As part of the event, which was also attended by Leader of Wiltshire Council Jane Scott, a message was read out from His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex by Mr Bartholomew.

The message read: “On this Merchant Navy Day, I very much hope 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 forgotten or invisible service, by raising the Red Ensign you will ensure 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.”