3 September 2009 - Merchant Navy Day - National
Sunday 6th September 2009
Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service & Reunion to be held at The Merchant Navy War Memorial, Trinity Gardens, Tower Hill, London
A band will lead the parade of Merchant Navy Standards and Standards of other Associations, followed by serving and retired Merchant Seafarers with other Organisations, leaving Mark Lane (Great Tower Street) for Trinity Square Gardens at 12.30 hours. The Principal Guest will take the salute upon arrival of the Parade in Trinity Square Gardens. The multi-faith Commemorative Service and wreath-laying will be held at the Merchant Navy Memorial. This Annual service is held on the Sunday in September nearest to Merchant Navy Day, 3rd September, in memory of Merchant Seafarers who died in World Wars I & II and in conflicts up to the present day. After the Service, a "Sea of Red Ensigns" organised by the Sailors' Society, will be placed in the lawn of the Sunken Garden, in memory of lost Merchant Seafarers.
Parade Assembles at: 12:15 hours at Mark Lane
Start Time: 12:30 hours
Venue: Merchant Navy Memorial, Trinity Square Gardens, Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AA
Nearest Tube Station: Tower Hill
Nearest Rail Stations: Fenchurch Street and Tower Gateway (DLR)
Attendance Information: Everyone is invited to attend. Medals may be worn
Contact: TM Brant, National Secretary, Merchant Navy Association.
Tel: (01472) 851130
E-mail: mna.national@virgin.net
(The Merchant Navy Association's website is http://www.mna.org.uk/index.htm )
A sea of Red Ensigns - Together we will remember them!
Last year the Sailors' Society planted 800 Red Ensign Flags for the Merchant Navy Day Service at Trinity Gardens. Each flag bore its own heart-warming message. Some remembered their loved ones lost during war, others wanted to recognise our seafarers of today. The occasion was incredibly moving with cadets and veterans side by side on their knees together planting the flags. It was a truly remarkable sight.
This year they are encouraging more people to become involved by sending their messages on the Red Ensign Flags. They wish to give the Merchant Navy seafarers the recognition they deserve.
You are invited to write a message on a Red Ensign Flag (supplied in the pack you request) in memory of a loved one, friend or colleague, or someone who is presently away at sea.
Today, it is not unusual for seafarers to be separated from loved ones for up to 12 months, with severe restrictions limiting access to phones or internet. The Sailors' Society provides a life-line for seafarers now, as it did during the War years.
Within the pack you will find a small card flag on which you can write your message and return it to them. They will then plant the flag on your behalf at Trinity Gardens on 6th September 2009.
If you cannot attend Tower Hill this year, you can still apply for your pack and send your message via e-mail to
Other National Dates of importance:
- 12 July - Sea Sunday National
- August 20th - Anniversary of the MNA - Branch events
- 27 September - National Maritime Day National
- 28 September - Liberty Ships Day National