Merchant Navy Day was marked today (3 September) in Horsham’s Carfax at the War Memorial.
Horsham District Council together with the Horsham branch of the Royal British Legion showed their support for the national ‘Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day’ campaign by raising the British Merchant Navy’s official Red Ensign flag and laying wreaths.
At the start of the ceremony, there was a traditional ringing of the eight bells where one bell is rung eight times, which signifies the relief of a naval watch, followed by the observation of a one-minute silence.
Wreaths were laid by Horsham District Council Armed Forces Champion Cllr Clive Trott and Horsham Branch Royal British Legion’s Vice Chairman Carol Tester.
The campaign raises awareness of our island nation’s dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers - past, present and future.