Raising of the flag to mark Merchant Navy Day 2021
Today (Friday 3 September) we raised the Red Ensign flag to mark Merchant Navy Day.
![Merchant Navy Day 2021 Provost Fletcher raises flag for Merchant Navy Day](https://eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/image/5938/Merchant-Navy-Day-2021/standard.jpg?m=1630674261870)
Published: 3 September 2021
A flag raising ceremony is held at the Council Headquarters each year to give local people the opportunity to honour the brave men and women who make up the Merchant Navy for their sacrifices and commitment, and remember those who have been lost.
Provost Jim Fletcher today raised the Merchant Navy Day flag at the Council Headquarters in Giffnock to commemorate the occasion, although no guests were present as the Council continues to navigate through the challenges of the pandemic.
We will also share a virtual video celebration today of the flag raising on its Facebook and Twitter social media channels.
Provost Jim Fletcher said: 'Merchant Navy Day is a key date in our diary every September - it is a day to thank our selfless seafarers, past and present, for their bravery and dedication, and I hope that you are able to take the time to show your support virtually today too.
'The work our Merchant Navy seafarers undertake has become even more prominent over the last 18 months due to Covid-19. Merchant Navy Day is so important this year as it gives us a chance to thank our seafarers for their continuing efforts during the pandemic to make sure that essential goods and medicines continue to reach the UK.'