On Merchant Navy Day, 3 September, Exeter City Council will fly the Red Ensign at the Historic Guildhall to raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers
Exeter City Council and the Lord Mayor of Exeter Councillor Olwen Foggin are 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.
The charity’s president, HRH The Earl of Wessex, has endorsed the campaign, saying: ‘On this Merchant Navy Day, I very much hope you will support this campaign to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy.’
The Lord Mayor of Exeter says: I am delighted that we are continuing our support of this worthy campaign in honouring the brave men and women who kept our nation safe during World War 1 and World War 2 and who still support the nation today.
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. 75% of our exports (by volume) are shipped from UK ports, some of which are supporting the campaign by encouraging visiting ships to sound their horns at 10am on 3 September.
