Commonwealth Day 2017

Fifty-two countries came together today to celebrate Commonwealth Day under the theme ‘A Peace-building Commonwealth’.  Silloth-on-Solway celebrated Commonwealth Day by raising the Commonwealth Flag at the Community Garden on Silloth Green, on what was a pleasant Spring morning.  The event was attended by pupils and staff from Silloth Primary School and Solway Community School, the Town Council and representatives from organisations within the town.

Cllr. Tony Markley, Mayor of Silloth welcomed everyone to the ceremony.  For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, young members of the United Kingdom Army Cadet Force (ACF) will take the Commonwealth flag to the top of the highest peaks in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on Commonwealth Day.  As well as the mountaintop ceremonies, Army Cadets will observe Commonwealth Day by raising the flag at 53 other locations throughout the United Kingdom as part of this international initiative.

Cllr. Markley read out Her Majesty The Queen’s Commonwealth Day message.

“ The cornerstones on which peace is founded are, quite simply, respect and understanding for one another.”  Her Majesty The Queen

Max Brough and Ben Mattinson, year 9 students from Solway Community School, dressed in their cadet uniforms, proudly read out the Commonwealth Affirmation.

Cllr. Markley then raised the Commonwealth flag and thanked everyone for attending and taking part in the celebration.