Yesterday, Sunday 3rd September 2023, at 10am on a lovely sunny day, The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Town Crier, Councillor Steve Walls, joined members of the Royal Wootton Bassett branch of the Royal British Legion and members of the pubic, to raise the Merchant Navy flag in honour and remembrance of the sacrifices made by, often forgotten and invisible, but very hard-working Merchant Navy seafarers.

The Mayor, read out the following speech:-

“This year’s Merchant Navy Day is a poignant one. Essentially, today is the day we remember the forgotten or invisible service: the men and women responsible for carrying up to 95% of our island nation’s trade. Regrettably, it is only during times of war that the service enters our consciousness, whether that be the Second World War or the Falkands War. It may be a civilian service, but it ranks on the same level as the Armed Forces because of its critical role”.

Thanks goes to all who attended.