Representatives of Veterans organisations and members of the armed forces have today joined The Deputy Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Rod McKerlich for a flag raising ceremony at the Mansion House to show support for the UK's merchant seafarers.

The flag of the Merchant Navy, The Red Ensign, was raised to mark Merchant Navy Day and honour the seafarers past and present who have served their country with such distinction over the years.

The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Dianne Rees said: "Today marks the significance of the Merchant Navy and the key role it performed during two World Wars. It is so important that we remember the bravery of seafarers from the Merchant Navy during wartime, in what was the most extreme conditions imaginable.

"The raising of the Red Ensign, or ‘Red Duster', as it is affectionately known, has been the recognised flag of the Merchant Navy since 1854. It has been proudly flown across the oceans of the world in peace time and throughout dangerous conflicts."