Fly a flag for the Commonwealth

More than 730 Commonwealth Flags will be raised in locations in the United Kingdom and around the world on Monday 9 March to mark Commonwealth Day - and an event is being held at Dover District Council offices in Whitfield from 9.50am.

A message of good wishes from Her Majesty The Queen will be read out at the 730 individual flag raising events. The message at the DDC offices will be read by the Chairman of Dover District Council, Cllr Sue Nicholas, followed by a reading of the Commonwealth Affirmation. A message will also be read from His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The event will end with the raising of the Commonwealth Flag at 10am.

Bruno Peek, LVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster, Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth, said: "I am amazed how quickly this event has caught the public imagination in so many Commonwealth countries. We are only in our second year, and the involvement of so many people of all ages and from all walks of life shows the enormous potential of this project and of the Commonwealth."

Cllr Sue Nicholas, Chairman of Dover District Council said: "We are delighted to be taking part in this ceremony. This event will enable us to join with others to show a public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, and an appreciation of the opportunities offered to its citizens around the world."