The Merchant Navy was celebrated today by raising the Red Ensign flag outside South Kesteven District Council's Grantham offices.
Merchant Navy Association and Royal British Legion officials joined elected members, former services personnel and council staff for the annual flag raising.
It is to honour the brave men and women who have served during the two world wars, and who continue to serve, to ensure the UK maintains the supplies it needs to keep the island nation running.
Historically, Merchant Navy seafarers’ bravery kept supply lines open during global conflicts including the world wars, as well as more recent crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Today, merchant seafarers are indispensable, handling 95% of the UK’s traded goods.
Ahead of the ceremony, Captain John Sail, former National Chairman at Merchant Navy Association, read the seafarers’ poem, Sea Fever, by John Masefield: “I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.”
The flag was raised by Geoffrey (Soapy) Watson, Associate Member of the Royal Navy Association.
SKDC Chairman, Cllr Ian Selby, welcomed the guests and read a statement by The Duke of Edinburgh, in his role as President of the Seafarers' Charity.
It said: "By flying the Red Ensign on this day, you will be recognising the approximately 24,000 men and women working at sea carrying around 95% of our island nation’s trade.
"Regrettably, it is only during times of war that the service enters our consciousness, as is sadly the case today with seafarers running the gauntlet in the Red Sea.
"This is our one opportunity to show our seafarers how much we value them, past and present, as well as their families."
The Red Ensign, known affectionately as the Red Duster, is flown at historic properties, political establishments, council offices and village greens across the UK.
It is a powerful symbol which serves to highlight the indispensable role of merchant seafarers - past, present, and future.