On September 3rd, Rutland, marked Merchant Navy Day, raising the Red Ensign to honour the vital contributions of seafarers, past and present. The ceremony, moved from Rutland County Council offices to Oakham Castle in 2019 by Dr. Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, alongside Rutland County Council, retired Captain Bob Strick, and Uppingham Town Clerk Adam Lowe, aims to raise awareness of the Merchant Navy's crucial role in the United Kingdom's history and ongoing prosperity. As an island nation, Britain's survival and economic well-being are inextricably linked to the sea.
The Merchant Navy's service has been essential, particularly during times of conflict. During both World Wars, merchant sailors faced immense danger to ensure the continuous flow of food, fuel, and supplies to Britain. Over 30,000 merchant seafarers perished during World War II, a testament to their bravery and sacrifice. Despite these critical contributions, their service has often gone unrecognised by the public.
The UK's reliance on maritime trade remains as strong as ever, with over 90% of all imports and exports transported by sea. The Merchant Navy continues to be a cornerstone of the national economy, supporting numerous jobs and contributing significantly to the GDP. The Lord-Lieutenant emphasised that even landlocked counties like Rutland are deeply connected to this maritime lifeline, as the goods that sustain their communities arrive via the sea.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, President of the Seafarers’ Charity, recently highlighted the intermittent public awareness of seafarers' sacrifices, noting, "it is only during times of war that their service enters our consciousness." He called Merchant Navy Day a unique opportunity to express gratitude to seafarers and their families for their service. The ceremony in Rutland also paid tribute to individuals like Mark Woodcock and his family, whose service exemplifies the deep connection between local communities and the Merchant Navy.
As the Red Ensign was raised, the people of Rutland remembered all those who have served and continue to serve, acknowledging their vital role in securing the nation's well-being.
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment
🎉 Comments Are Now Live! 🎉
Hello, Oakham and Rutland readers!
We have some exciting news to share with you: you can now comment directly on every single article on Oakham and Rutland News!
We're absolutely thrilled to be giving our amazing communities a real, active voice.
We know many towns often feel forgotten by big-name and regional media, but our mission at Oakham and Rutland News is to put local people back at the very heart of the conversation.
Now, it's easier than ever to tell us what matters most to you in your town or village, share your thoughts on local news, and connect with your neighbours. Leaving a comment is simple—just scroll down to the bottom of any article!
To keep things friendly and ensure real people are talking (not those pesky bots or fake accounts!), we kindly ask that you register with Google first.
Finally, we'll be keeping a close eye on the discussions to make sure they stay respectful and free from any bad language or abuse. This is all part of our commitment to high-quality, original local journalism that everyone can enjoy.
We truly can't wait to hear what you have to say. Your voice matters to us. Let's take Oakham and Rutland News to the next level, together!