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More history in the making as the Commonwealth flies high

More history in the making as the Commonwealth flies high

More than 730 Commonwealth Flags will be raised in locations throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories, and Commonwealth countries and on 9 March 2015 – Commonwealth Day 2015.

Heads of State and Prime Ministers; Lord Mayors and Mayors; Town Councils and Local Principal Authorities; school children and college students; Girl Guides and Boy Scouts; Sea, Army, and Air Cadets; charities and community groups; Commonwealth Ex-Servicemen and major shipping lines, and many others around the world will join to raise more than 730 Commonwealth Flags at 10am on 9 March 2015 in a shared celebration of this amazing family of nations that encompasses the globe.

This unique initiative, now in its second year, is again catching the imagination of thousands of participants from all walks of life, inspiring them to join with others throughout the Commonwealth. As a collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, it enables participants to show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth citizens around the world.

A special message of good wishes from Her Majesty The Queen to all those taking part will be read out to those attending the 730 individual flag raising events, before the raising of each flag that morning.

For example in Norfolk, UK, all 22 town councils are taking part, and will be raising Commonwealth Flags at significant locations across the county.

A personal message from His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General said: “Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth is a most imaginative way for people in local communities – wherever they live, learn or work – to join together with others throughout the Commonwealth in a spirit of respect and understanding to celebrate the variety and unmatched diversity of our global family. I welcome and commend it.”

“All our citizens, particularly the young, can express appreciation for the Commonwealth and the values for which it stands as set out in the Commonwealth Charter, and the rich opportunities it offers for mutual support towards more inclusive social and more equitable economic progress.”

Cllr Ken Browse, chair of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), said: “NALC is proud that over 150 town councils are participating in this unique and important event that will bring the communities and countries of the Commonwealth together in common celebration of this great family of nations, it's diverse cultures and communities.”                                                                                    

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