Brentwood Council is flying the Commonwealth of Nations’ Flag to mark Commonwealth Day (11 March) and the Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Gareth Barrett, took part in a flag-raising ceremony to mark the day. The flag raising is an annual event to mark the connection between all Commonwealth countries.
The theme for Commonwealth Day this year is ‘One Resilient Common Future’. It highlights how the 56 member countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe must harness their strengths by building resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the ‘Commonwealth Advantage’ and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth.
Brentwood Mayor, Councillor Gareth Barrett said: “Commonwealth Day is a celebration of the vast diversity, strong unity and uplifting values that define the Commonwealth and we are proud to be take part by flying the flag on Commonwealth Day. Flying the Commonwealth flag demonstrates the Council's support for Britain's participation in this important international institution, of which our King is the head.”
The Mayor recited the Commonwealth Affirmation before raising the Commonwealth Flag.
Affirmation:
We affirm that every person possesses unique worth and dignity.
We affirm our desire for peace among all peoples and nations, and our belief in justice for everyone, everywhere.
We affirm our respect for the natural world, and that we will be stewards of the earth by working together to care for every part of it.
We affirm our support for all young people in every part of our Commonwealth and, in honouring their ingenuity and imagination, we affirm our belief that the future success of the Commonwealth rests with them.
Joining together in kinship, affinity and unity, we celebrate the precious diversity of thought, culture, tradition and experience across our family of nations, and we build on shared inheritances.
We reiterate our commitment to the values of the Commonwealth Charter, both as an expression of our ideals and aspirations, and as a framework for common action.
Through our Commonwealth connection we see each other, hear each other, learn from one another, and co-operate with mutual respect and goodwill to deliver a resilient common future for all our communities and nations.