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The Red Ensign, the recognised flag of the British Merchant Navy since 1854, will today fly proudly above the Civic Offices to mark Merchant Navy Day (Thursday 3 September 2020).
Merchant Navy Day honours the brave men and women who kept our island nation afloat during both World Wars, and celebrates our dependence on modern day merchant seafarers who are responsible for the UK's sea imports.
Cllr Beryl Hunwicks, Mayor of Woking, said: “As an island nation, we pride ourselves on our rich maritime heritage. The symbolic act of flying a Red Ensign ashore provides a timely opportunity to raise public awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on all merchant seafarers.
‘Despite the wide-ranging impacts of coronavirus, seafarers of many nationalities have been working hard to keep the UK supplied with food, fuel, medicines and other essential goods. So it is very important that we mark Merchant Navy Day and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have continued to support our nation now and in the past.”
For more information about Merchant Navy Day, please visit www.seafarers.uk/merchant-navy-fund/merchant-navy-day