Raising of the Red Ensign flag to commemorate Merchant Navy Day
Today (Friday 1 September) we raised the Red Ensign flag at the Council Headquarters in Giffnock to mark Merchant Navy Day which will be held on Sunday 3 September.
Published: 1 September 2023
Merchant Navy Day is marked on 3 September each year, the anniversary of the start of the Second World War, to give people an opportunity to come together and recognise the key role merchant seafarers play.
Provost Mary Montague joined Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire Ken Ross to show appreciation, raise the flag and pay tribute to merchant seafarers, past and present.
Guests including local dignitaries, elected members and members of the local community were welcomed by Provost Montague to the event.
Provost Mary Montague said: 'Merchant Navy Day is an annual event in the Council's calendar and it's an important opportunity for us all in East Renfrewshire to join together and give our support to the 80,000 men and women who work tirelessly at sea to keep Britain afloat. This year, Merchant Navy Day is all about celebrating the people behind the Red Ensign who continue to bring in over 95% of our imports, kept our supply lines open during the two World Wars and supported our nation through Covid-19. Without them we would be facing empty shelves in our shops, chemists and supermarkets.'
Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Ken Ross added: 'I am honoured and proud to represent the Lord-Lieutenant and King Charles the Third here today. The raising of the Red Ensign acknowledges and honours the men and women of the Merchant Navy who have served us in the past and those that serve today on ferries, tankers and containerships. As an island nation the Merchant Navy is one of the most important elements of our essential infrastructure and merchant seafarers are truly key workers within our communities.
'Merchant Navy Day is marked on Sunday - the anniversary of the commencement of the Second World War. Many of those that served in the Merchant Navy in that conflict made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that we enjoy the freedoms and quality of life that we now take for granted. Freedom is not free. It is right that we raise the Red Ensign today in their memory.'
