The Mayor of East Staffordshire, Councillor Chris Smith, flew the Red Ensign at Burton Town Hall to mark the third “Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day”.
The Flag hoisting ceremony was to say ‘thank you seafarers’ on Merchant Navy Day, 3rd September.
East Staffordshire Borough Council, alongside many other local authorities, flew the Red Ensign to raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.
The Council supported a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.
Councillor Chris Smith, Mayor of East Staffordshire, said: “It was a great honour flying the Red Ensign at Burton Town Hall. It’s important that we help raise awareness of our nation’s seafarers and how much we depend on them.
“More than 90% of UK imports come by ship, including half the food we eat, so it’s important that their contributions are recognised.”