For the first time, local authorities and civic dignitaries, community groups and charities throughout the British Isles are taking part in local flag raising events and ceremonies of dedication to mark Commonwealth Day on 10th March.
Major General Martin White, Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight presented the Commonwealth flag to the Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council Councillor Ian Ward, on 10th February at a short ceremony in County Hall, Newport. On Commonwealth Day it will be Councillor Ward who will lead the flag raising ceremony when a specially written Commonwealth Affirmation will be read out before the Commonwealth flag is flown.
This new initiative enables people to express their commitment to the Commonwealth, and show an appreciation of the values it stands for, and the opportunities offered to its citizens around the world.
Councillor Ian Ward, chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, said: “I am delighted to accept this flag on behalf of the people of the Isle of Wight and look forward to flying it to mark Commonwealth Day.”
Martin White added: “This is a very important day for the Commonwealth and it is very good to see the people of the Isle of Wight supporting this day”
Ceremonies will take place around the world on Monday 10 March 2014 including charity teams taking Commonwealth flags to the top of the UK’s four highest national peaks – Scafell Pike, England; Ben Nevis, Scotland; Mount Snowdon, Wales and Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland.
Commonwealth Flags will also be flown at many locations of special significance including the four capital cities of the United Kingdom, Land’s End; St. David’s Pembrokeshire; Carlisle, the northernmost city in England; Lowestoft, the easternmost town in England; and Unst in the Shetland Islands.
Flags will also be raised at the Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula, and at the Halley VI Research Station on the Brunt Ice Shelf, as well as King Edward Point and Bird Island in South Georgia.
Photo credit- IW Council.