Merton Set To Mark Commonwealth Day


Flag-raising ceremony at the Civic Centre

Merton Council will hold a flag raising ceremony to commemorate Commonwealth Day on Monday March 9.

The event will take place from 9:30-11am outside of the Civic Centre building in Morden with the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina raising the flag in front of residents, councillors and local children from Morden, Abbotsbury, Perseid and Poplar primary schools.

The Mayor will read out a specially written Commonwealth affirmation which will be followed by the raising of the Commonwealth flag at 10am. Community groups will be performing songs and readings during the event to help mark this year’s Commonwealth day.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina said: "Commonwealth Day provides an excellent opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate our cultural diversity and increasingly connected global network. This year's theme is 'A Young Commonwealth' which aims to recognise the importance of young people in the future development of international co-operation and in understanding global problems."

Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth is an initiative that will see over 650 Commonwealth Flags being raised in 38 Commonwealth countries. It enables people in local communities to get involved and join others worldwide in showing commitment and appreciation of the Commonwealth values.

For the first time in Maritime history, 11 P&O and Cunard Line cruise ships will be raising Commonwealth flags at 10 am as they cruise around the world supporting this initiative. Cadets from the Royal Air Force Cadets will also be taking part showing their support by flying Commonwealth flags in each of the six Regions of the Air training Corps.

Charity teams from Fields of Life will also be taking Commonwealth flags to the top of the UK's four highest National Peaks to mark the occasion whilst also raising money for their charitable cause.

February 24, 2015