THE Red Ensign, the flag which represents the Merchant Navy, was displayed across the country during last week's commemorations.

Since 2000, Merchant Navy Day on September 3 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 per cent of the UK's imports, including half the food we eat.

Last Thursday, September 3, the Vale of Glamorgan Council supported Seafarers UK by raising the Red Ensign, the official flag of the Merchant Navy outside the Civic Offices.

The Barry Merchant Navy Association (Wales) branch and other organisations laid wreaths at the Merchant Navy monument and a dedication was read by the Reverend Kevin Blake.

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 by Seafarers UK to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy. Too often they are the forgotten or invisible service, by raising the Red Ensign you will ensure that at least on this day they are remembered. Your act will mean so much to their families and to the retires, but most especially to those at sea".

Merchant Navy Day gives all of us the opportunity to remember with gratitude the important role and sacrifice merchant seafarers from Britain and the Commonwealth play in our national life, from keeping our island nation fed during the Second World War to transporting the manufacturing products of our 21st century hi-tech society, the debt we owe to them is enormous and without seafarers, our lives would be very different indeed.

More than 400 local authorities throughout the UK were invited by Seafarers UK and the Merchant Navy Association to participate in ‘Fly the Red Ensign (Affectionately known as the Red Duster) for Merchant Navy Day’.

Keith Greenway

IT/research officer

The Merchant Navy Association (Wales) Barry branch