Merchant Navy Day Flags planted for the 5th Consecutive Year

Merchant Navy veterans paraded in Trinity Gardens, Tower Hill, London last Sunday to commemorate Merchant Navy Day to honour the 40,000 merchant seafarers who lost their lives in the two world wars.

International seafaring charity Sailors’ Society was on hand to plant hundreds of Red Ensign flags, donated by veterans, families of lost seafarers and supporters of the charity, creating a moving ‘Sea of Remembrance’ after the Merchant Navy Association’s Service; the Society also placed a wreath in tribute in the centre of the flags. Each flag bore a special, heartfelt message from the donor, including; “To all seafarers everywhere, calm seas and safe harbours for you to come home to” and “To all the young men who risked their lives to keep us supplied with food and fuel.” Many remembered loved ones and gave thanks for sacrifices made today as well as in the past. The flags stood alongside the many wreaths that were laid by the veterans. The Guest of Honour at this year’s service was Admiral The Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC DUniv who inspected the Honour Guard and took the salute of the veterans Parade. Mr. Jim Fitzpatrick, former Shipping Minister and currently MP for Poplar and Limehouse, welcomed those present with a greetings message from Prime Minister, David Cameron. The service was conducted by the Sailors’ Society’s Principal Chaplain, Revd David Potterton who is also the National Chaplain to the Merchant Navy Association, with other invited clergy and faith leaders taking part. The Memorials in Trinity Gardens record the lives of some 40,000 merchant seafarers who gave their lives in the service of their country, and who have no grave but the sea. The Sailors’ Society launches its ‘Sea of Remembrance’ campaign each year to commemorate Merchant Navy Day. To ensure that you receive your flag for next year’s commemoration, please contact the Sailors’ Society at redensignflags@sailors-society.org or call Rebecca Young on 023 8051 5050. Director of Fundraising Jan Webber said: “I would just like to say a big thank you to all those who supported the Sailors’ Society by planting a flag at this year’s event; the number of participants never ceases to amaze me. The tributes were particularly moving this year as 2010 is the International Maritime Organisation’s Year of the Seafarer.” On World Maritime Ends Words: 389

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