MSP commemorates Merchant Navy Day
Jackson Carlaw MSP has submitted a Scottish Parliamentary motion in recognition of the official Merchant Navy Day in the UK on 3rd September.
The Eastwod MSP attended a flag raising ceremony at East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters to commemorate the event.
The date of September 3rd has huge historical significance as it marks the day the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland entered the Second World War in 1939.
The 3rd of September is also the same date when the country suffered its first major maritime casualty of the conflict after the sinking of the merchant vessel SS Athenia, which resulted in the loss of 128 lives just hours into the war.
The ‘Red Ensign’ or ‘Red Duster’, as it also known, was flown at the Council ceremony as a mark of respect and support for the Merchant Navy.
After observing the raising of the flag, Mr Carlaw spoke with Second World War veterans and young recruits.
Jackson Carlaw commented:
"It is always a pleasure to attend events such as this in support of our Merchant Navy when they did so much for our island nation during the darkest days of WW2 and beyond.
"Many veterans were present at the Council’s flag raising ceremony and their stories of their service remain important to those today who have no real memory of that conflict.
"One gentleman played a part in the sinking of the Bismarck and another veteran had just received his arctic medal having completed the Murmansk Run three times in 1943.
"It is absolutely right and necessary that we continue to remember the efforts and sacrifices of those who fought to keep our country free. We must never forget.
"It was also great to be joined by young Royal Navy recruits who will continue to maintain Britain’s proud naval tradition."
Motion as lodged:
Merchant Navy Day 2018
That the Parliament recognises that 3 September 2018 marked Merchant Navy Day in the UK; notes that the awareness day has been held on this day since 2000 as it marks the date that the nation entered the Second World War in 1939 and its first maritime casualty of the conflict, when 128 lives were lost following the sinking of the merchant vessel, SS Athenia, just hours after war was declared; welcomes the raising of the Red Ensign, the flag of the merchant navy, at various locations throughout Scotland to mark the occasion; commends the significant contribution of the merchant fleet in protecting the UK during both the First and Second World Wars, and acknowledges and welcomes its continued importance in the 21st century.