Red ensign flown at Lagan Valley Island for Merchant Navy Day

September 2, 2022

Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Scott Carson, has paid tributes as part of the Merchant Navy Day flag raising ceremony at Lagan Valley Island.

Mayor Carson was joined by Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim Mr David McCorkell, High Sheriff for County Antrim Mr John Anthony Lockett OBE, Cadet Sophie McCullagh, elected members and officers of the council to raise the red ensign flag of the Merchant Navy.

Mayor Carson commented: “It is a privilege to lead this annual ceremony for Merchant Navy Day on behalf of the Lisburn & Castlereagh community.

“We acknowledge the Merchant Navy for its continued service around the world. I’m proud that Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is one of many Councils across the United Kingdom helping to raise awareness of our ongoing dependence on, and gratitude to the Merchant Navy seafarers.

“The invaluable contribution of the Merchant Navy during both World Wars kept the UK afloat whilst managing the constant threat of attack from German U-boats keeping supply lines to and from the UK open. Tragically over 40,000 merchant seafarers lost their lives at sea during both wars.

“I would also like to acknowledge the peacetime contributions of the Merchant Navy. As an island nation around 90% of our imported goods arrive by sea and almost half of the food on our shelves is brought to our shores by merchant seafarers.”

During the ceremony, the Mayor paid tribute to the brave men and women of the Merchant Navy before Cadet Sophie McCullagh read out a message on behalf of His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex.

The ceremony concluded with the red ensign flag being raised by Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim Mr David McCorkell and a minute’s silence.