Public invited to witness Commonwealth Flag-flying ceremony in Melton

The ceremony will start at 9.45am when a specially written Commonwealth Affirmation will be read out.

The Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire, David Wyrko QPM DL, will read a personal message from Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, before the raising of the Commonwealth Flag at 10am.

The ceremony will be attended by representatives of local service and community organisations and members of the public are welcome to witness the raising of the Commonwealth Flag.

After the raising of the flag, the mayor will then invite guests to join her inside Parkside for a short commemorative act to mark the sacrifices made by those from the Commonwealth countries during the First World War.

Coun Douglas said: “Over a century ago three million men and women volunteered from all corners of the world to fight for a king and country many had never seen. 

“They gave up their jobs, their families and often their lives to face hardship and unspeakable horrors. Over 1.1 million Commonwealth servicemen and women lost their lives in the Great War.

“Quite simply, Britain and her allies could not have prevailed without these brave men and women from the Commonwealth countries to whom an enormous debt of gratitude is owed. Commonwealth Day provides an opportunity to remember their sacrifices.”