The Commonwealth flag was flying at Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC) Pippbrook offices in Dorking on Monday. MVDC’s Chairman, Councillor Margaret Cooksey had the honour of raising the flag on behalf of the district to commemorate Commonwealth Day on Monday, 14 March.
Commonwealth Day celebrates the Commonwealth’s social and economic progress since the Commonwealth was formed in 1949. The ceremonial raising of the flag, which first took place in 2014 is now an established celebratory event across the country.
A message from His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and a specially written Commonwealth Affirmation was read out by Councillor Margaret Cooksey, who then raised one of more than 850 other Commonwealth Flags, joining with 38 Commonwealth countries around the globe.
Councillor Margaret Cooksey said: “I am delighted that Mole Valley District Council can show its support to Commonwealth Day through this special event. It was a great opportunity for those who took part in the flag raising to celebrate the diversity of the Commonwealth and for those across Mole Valley to show their appreciation of their own district’s variety.”
His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth said: “Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth is a most imaginative way for people in local communities – wherever they live, learn or work – to join together with others throughout the Commonwealth in a spirit of respect and understanding to celebrate the variety and unmatched diversity of our global family. I welcome and commend it.”
The theme for 2016 encourages understanding and further explorations of Commonwealth collaboration in fields of gender equality and the post-2015 development goal.