Vale Of Glamorgan Council Honours Members Of Merchant Navy With Ceremony
On 02 September, members of the Vale of Glamorgan Council congregated at the Merchant Navy Monument, at Barry’s Civic Centre, to honour members of the Merchant Navy and those of the earlier Mercantile Marine.
The ceremony paid tribute to all seafarers, past and present, with the Red Ensign – the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag – being flown as a symbol of respect for those that made the ultimate sacrifice during both World Wars.
During the ceremony, a party of attendees, including the Vale of Glamorgan’s Leader (Councillor Neil Moore), Managing Director (Rob Thomas), and Armed Forces Champion (Councillor Anthony Powell), were joined by Jo Norton – chairman of Barry Branch Merchant Navy Association – and David Jenkins – HM Deputy Lord Lieutenant – in paying their respects. The Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Councillor Stuart Egan, opened by welcoming those attending, before the formal ceremony preceded the laying of wreaths at the Merchant Navy Memorial. This was followed by the playing of the Welsh and British national anthems, before a final blessing was made.
The Merchant Navy Memorial at Barry was built in 1996; it commemorates the merchant seamen of Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan who died in the First and Second World Wars. The Anchor Memorial at the old dock side tributes all Seafarers, many of whom sailed from the port, but did not return. The Merchant Navy tribute paid homage to all of those that did not return.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Leader, Neil Moore, said: “As shown earlier this month, at the Armed Forces Covenant Meeting, in the Vale of Glamorgan we fully appreciate the sacrifices made by the serving members of our county. The Merchant Navy ceremony allowed us to again pay tribute to those who served in both World Wars, and also the modern day seafarers who are responsible for UK imports.”
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