For the first time this year, the Isle of Wight Council is flying the Red Ensign at County Hall, Newport in honour of Merchant Navy Day today (Thursday 3rd September).
Charles Chapman, chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“I am proud that the council will be flying the Red Ensign. Personally, I know many Merchant Navy seafarers. It is a privilege to fly the flag for them and their predecessors; those brave men and women who kept our island nation afloat during both world wars and those today who are responsible for 95 per cent of the UK’s imports, including half of the food we eat.
Article continues below this advertisement “I imagine, as a coastal location, there will be many Islanders who have some connection with the Merchant Navy; and we also fly the flag for them.”
The flag was being flown at County Hall from the evening of 2th September until the morning of 4th September.
The Red Ensign has been flown nationally on this date since 2000, to commemorate Merchant Navy Day.
Photographed L-R: Council vice-chairman Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox with Council chairman Cllr Charles Chapman
