Rushden commemorates Merchant Navy Day to recognise sacrifices made by 'unsung heroes'
A service was held at the Rushden War Memorial to mark Merchant Navy Day.
Local people joined the mayor of Rushden, as well as town councillors and the Rushden Branches of the Royal Naval Association and Royal British Legion to mark the occasion on Thursday (September 3) with a brief service held at Rushden War Memorial, led by RBL branch president David Hawker, himself a former Merchant Navy Officer and a Royal Navy Reservist.
There, the Red Ensign was hoisted and the Last Post and Reveille performed by Julie Knowles using her own bugle.
Jake Baker, chairman of the Rushden branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “Merchant Navy Day is an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made by these unsung heroes, who often work in challenging environments and face the dangers of piracy, severe weather and geopolitical tensions.
"These activities of commemoration and remembrance aim to foster a deeper appreciation of the maritime industry and the essential services provided by merchant mariners.
"By acknowledging their dedication and resilience, Merchant Navy Day helps ensure that the invaluable contributions of these seafarers are never forgotten.”
Merchant Navy Day is an annual event which takes place on September 3 to acknowledge and commemorate the bravery shown by ‘indispensible' merchant sea farers from the past during world wars and the Covid-19 pandemic and in the present such as the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement given during the day, the Duke of Edinburgh and president of the Seafarers Charity, Prince Edward said: “This year more than ever, our dependence on our nation's Merchant Navy has been highlighted by the events in the Arabian Gulf and especially the Strait of Hormuz.
"Whether flying the flag or spreading the word about their tireless work transporting our island nation’s trade, this is an excellent opportunity to show our seafarers and their families how much we all value them. On behalf of The Seafarers’ Charity, thank you in advance for your support.”
King George V bestowed the title ‘Merchant Navy’ on British commercial shipping fleets following their service in the First World War. Since then, it has honoured the vital role of the Merchant Navy in global trade and national security.
The date for Merchant Navy Day was chosen to mark the sinking of the SS Athenia, the first British merchant ship lost during the Second World War in 1939.