Merchant Navy Day

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has marked national Merchant Navy Day in honour of the men and women who provided essential supplies to the UK during both World Wars and to celebrate the role of modern-day Merchant Seafarers.

Merchant Navy Day is remembered annually on 3 September – the anniversary of the sinking of the SS Athenia, the first British merchant ship lost in the Second World War – to give people an opportunity to honour and remember the sacrifices of the hard-working Merchant Navy seafarers.

The Red Ensign – the Merchant Navy’s official flag, was raised at the Port of Larne by Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE.  Prior to the flag-raising ceremony, messages were read from the Duke of Edinburgh and the Admiral The Right Honourable The Lord West of Spithead GCB, DSC, PC.

The annual event supports 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 flagpoles.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, said: “Merchant Navy Day gives us the chance to reflect on and honour the great work carried out tirelessly by the men and women of the Merchant Navy.”

“There are many families across Mid and East Antrim who have a connection to the Merchant Navy – either in the past or in the present. We think today of those brave personnel in the past – not least those who served in two world wars, many of whom lost their lives – and also of those currently serving.

“By flying the Merchant Navy Day flag we are showing our support and appreciation to the men and women who work tirelessly on our behalf to keep the country moving.”

Those who took part in the ceremony at Larne Harbour was Mr Peter Mackie, Deputy Lieutenant for County Antrim.