Thurrock Council marked Merchant Navy Day by raising the Red Ensign Flag at the Town Hall, Grays, on Wednesday 3 September. The event was led by Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Shinnick and honoured the dedicated men and women of the Merchant Navy, past and present.
The day opened with a prayer and speech from the Mayor of Thurrock then closed with a message from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Lynn Worrall. Many were in attendance including the Merchant Navy Association as well as some veterans, and councillors.
Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Shinnick, said: “Today as we raise the flag on Merchant Navy Day, we especially remember the resolve and bravery of merchant seamen during the second world war as they braved the menace of U-boats, warships, aircraft and mines to keep the country supplied and, in the fight, as we battled to free Europe.
“We think of the heroes of the merchant navy’s past, the work they do now in bringing goods and materials into the country and exporting what we make to the rest of the world, and of the bright and innovative future ahead of us.”
Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Lynn Worrall, said: “Merchant Navy Day is the one moment we can acknowledge the invisible service. By flying the Red Ensign on this day, you will be recognising the approximately 80,000 men and women working at sea carrying around 95% of our island nation’s trade. Regrettably, it is only during times of war that the service enters our consciousness, as is sadly the case today with seafarers running the gauntlet in the Red Sea. This is our one opportunity to show our seafarers how much we value them, past and present, as well as their families.”
To donate to the Merchant Navy, go to Seafarers Charity: Merchant Navy Fund UK.