TO MARK Merchant Navy Day today (Sep 3), Ceredigion County Council is flying the Red Ensign outside offices around the county to raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.
Ceredigion County Council is supporting a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs. Flags were raised at three Council offices – Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron; Canolfan Alun R Edwards, Aberystwyth; and Councillor Dai Mason raised the flag in Canolfan Rheidol, Aberystwyth.
Ceredigion County Council Chairman, Councillor Dai Mason, said “On this Merchant Navy celebration, I very much hope the people of Ceredigion will remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy. By raising the Red Ensign, we ensure at least on this day they are remembered.”
As an ‘island nation’ the UK relies on Merchant Navy seafarers for 95% of our imports, including half the food we eat. The UK has the largest ports industry in Europe with 75% of our exports (by volume) are shipped from UK ports.
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