3rd September – Merchant Navy Day
Sue paid tribute to those that served and those that lost their lives whilst serving in the Merchant Navy by raising the Red Ensign at the Rushmoor BC offices. In 1674, Charles II decreed by Royal Proclamation that the Red Ensign, meaning a red flag with a St. George’s Cross in the canton, was to be the official flag of English merchant ships.
Since 2000, Merchant Navy Day held each year on 3rd September has honoured the brave men and women who kept our ‘island nation’ afloat during both World Wars, and recognises our dependence on modern day merchant seafarers who are responsible for 95% of the UK’s imports, including almost half the food we eat, plenty of the fuel we rely on and virtually all the products and goods we tend to take for granted!
Alongside the sea cadets, Sue also met several veterans, including Lewis Trinder who she described as “an exceptional gentleman” who proudly displayed his many campaign medals from the Second World War. Mr Trinder wears the white beret which signifies he was a member of the arctic convoys
Past Mayor of Rushmoor 