Merchant Navy pandemic role recognised at Larne ceremony

The Red Ensign was raised at the Port of Larne today (Thursday) to mark national Merchant Navy Day.
The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston; Harbour Master Stuart Wilson; the Captain of European Causeway or European Highlander; David McCorkell, Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim and guests at the flag raising ceremony for Merchant Navy Day.The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston; Harbour Master Stuart Wilson; the Captain of European Causeway or European Highlander; David McCorkell, Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim and guests at the flag raising ceremony for Merchant Navy Day.
The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston; Harbour Master Stuart Wilson; the Captain of European Causeway or European Highlander; David McCorkell, Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim and guests at the flag raising ceremony for Merchant Navy Day.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council hosted the ceremony in honour of the men and women who provided essential supplies to the UK during both world wars and to thank modern day merchant seafarers, particularly for their role during the Covid emergency.

The Merchant Navy’s official flag was raised at the harbour at 10am by the Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston.

Special guests included the Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, Northern Ireland Executive Junior Minister Gordon Lyons MLA and the Port of Larne Harbour Master, Stuart Wilson,

Raising the ensign at Larne Harbour.Raising the ensign at Larne Harbour.
Raising the ensign at Larne Harbour.

Messages were read from the Earl of Wessex and the Admiral The Right Honourable The Lord West of Spithead GCB, DSC, PC

The annual event (read here) supports a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagpoles.

Cllr Johnston said: “By flying this flag we are showing our support and appreciation to the men and women who work tirelessly on our behalf to keep the country moving.

“We are pleased to once again mark this important day and to publicly honour the great work the men and women of the Merchant Navy do on our behalf.

The Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, speaking at the ceremony.The Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, speaking at the ceremony.
The Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, speaking at the ceremony.

“Today we not only remember the brave personnel of the past, but also pay tribute to those currently serving. It is important for them and their families to know that we truly appreciate the time they spend at sea away from their loved ones.”

Mr Wilson said: “Merchant Navy Day is a day to honour the brave men and women who kept our island nation afloat during both world wars.

“However, this year, it is also an opportunity to mark the contribution that the Merchant Navy has made in keeping our economy and essential services functioning throughout the recent pandemic.

“Both in the past and present, the Merchant Navy, despite adverse conditions, has continued to provide the vital links upon which so much that we, as island nations, rely.

Larne Harbour Master, Stuart Wilson addressing guests at the annual event.Larne Harbour Master, Stuart Wilson addressing guests at the annual event.
Larne Harbour Master, Stuart Wilson addressing guests at the annual event.

“As a consequence, we at Larne Harbour, feel privileged to be able host this year’s event on behalf of the Merchant Navy.”

In the First and Second World Wars nearly 15,000 merchant seafarers were killed.

The UK relies on Merchant Navy seafarers for 95% of imports, including half our food. The UK has the largest ports industry in Europe with 75% of exports (by volume) shipped from its ports.

Merchant Navy Day has been commemorated since 2000 on September 3, the anniversary of the sinking of the SS Athenia, the first British merchant vessel lost during World War 2.

Seafarers UK is a leading grant-making charity that helps people in the maritime community by providing vital funding to support seafarers in need and their families. www.merchantnavyfund.org/merchant-navy-day.

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