THE Commonwealth flag was raised at County Hall today as part of an international celebration of the family of nations who make up the Commonwealth.
More than 950 flags were raised across the UK and overseas at 10am to mark Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth Day.
The initiative is a collective public expression of commitment and enables participants to show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds.
Vice chairman of Wiltshire Council, councillor Allison Bucknell, read a specially written affirmation before raising the flag.
Cllr Bucknell said: “I’m really pleased to have this honour once again of raising the flag to show our collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth and celebrate being part of the worldwide family of nations united in common purpose.”
To begin the ceremony deputy lieutenant, William Wyldbore-Smith, read a message from the secretary-general of the Commonwealth of Nations, The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland QC at County Hall.
For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, young members of the United Kingdom Army Cadet Force (ACF) took the Commonwealth flag to the top of the highest peaks in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As well as the mountaintop ceremonies, Army Cadets observed Commonwealth Day by raising the flag at 53 other locations throughout the United Kingdom.
All councils throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man were encouraged to fly the flag to symbolise the unity of the Commonwealth.
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