This Sunday 3rd September, the official flag of the UK Merchant Navy, the Red Ensign, will be flown outside West House.

Since 2000, Merchant Navy Day on 3 September has honoured the brave men and women who kept our island nation afloat during both World Wars, and celebrated our dependence on modern day merchant seafarers who are responsible for 95% of the UK’s imports, including half the food we eat.

The Red Ensign will be flown around the country, reflecting the debt of gratitude and goodwill that is felt for service-people across the United Kingdom. The UK Merchant Navy liaises with two charities, Seafarers UK and The Merchant Navy Fund, that support seafarers and their families.

A ceremony will be held to honour members of the Merchant Navy and remember those of the earlier Mercantile Marine. The ceremony will be hosted by the Vale of Glamorgan Council on Friday, September 1, at the Civic Centre, Barry at 10am, at the Merchant Navy Monument. The ceremony will remember and tribute all seafarers’ past and present.