Ceremony to honour the Merchant Navy

Dorset Council will mark Merchant Navy Day with a Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday 3 September at 9:30am, at the Memorial outside County Hall in Dorchester.

The event will be led by Reverend John Yarrien, Superintendent Minister of the Dorset South and West Methodist Circuit, and will begin with a welcome address from Councillor Stella Jones MBE, Chair of Dorset Council.

In tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring service of the Merchant Navy—past, present, and future—the Red Ensign will be raised by Able Cadet Katie Sadler, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet.

Speeches will be delivered by Deputy Lieutenant Mr George Streatfeild MBE and Captain David Parsons MNM of the Merchant Navy Association. A wreath will be laid by Captain David Knight JP, Branch Chairman of the MNA.

The ceremony will be attended by members of the Merchant Navy Association, the Royal Naval Association from Dorchester, and Sea Cadets from Bournemouth and Weymouth. Dignitaries present will also include the Mayor and Mayoress of Dorchester and the Vice-Chair of Dorset Council.

To honour the occasion, the Red Ensign will also be flown over County Hall throughout the day.

Members of the public are warmly invited to attend.