Tributes paid and flags raised to honour important services
On Friday 1 September, West Lancashire Borough Council raised the Red Ensign flag to raise awareness of the UK’s dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers outside the Council Offices at 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk.
This annual flag-raising event honoured the brave men and women of the Merchant Navy, including those who lost their lives at times of war, and celebrated the vital role of merchant seafarers in the lives of our communities.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor of West Lancashire Councillor Julian Finch, Deputy Lieutenant, Martin Ainscough, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council Councillor Yvonne Gagen, the Rev Pauline Bicknell, Councillors and senior Council officers.
The Council are set to honour a second important cause on Friday 8, as they raise a flag to recognise National Emergency Services Day. The 999 Day Flag will be flown to show support for the heroic men and women of the NHS and Emergency Services.
The 999 Day Flag will be hoisted on the flagstaff outside the Council Offices at 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk at 10.00am, and a 2 minutes silence will be observed to celebrate all who devote their lives to their service to our Nation.
Members of the public are welcome to attend to the ceremony, alongside Councillor Maureen Nixon, Mayor of West Lancashire; Dr John Cater CBE DL, Councillor Yvonne Gagen, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council; the Mayor’s Chaplain Father Godric, Councillors and senior Council officers and members of our Emergency Services.
Mayor of West Lancashire Councillor Maureen Nixon said: “I am really pleased the Council has been given the opportunity to recognise Emergency Services Day and fly the 999 Day Flag proudly from our Council Offices. The people of the United Kingdom owe a debt of gratitude to all of our Emergency Services and the flag raising is an opportunity for us all to pay tribute to the work that they do.”
You can visit the website https://www.999day.org.uk/ to find out more about 999 (Emergency Services) Day.
