Borough flies the flag for Commonwealth Day

At 10am this morning, His Majesty’s Deputy-Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Ivy Goddard MBE and the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross raised the Commonwealth Flag at Antrim Civic Centre to mark Commonwealth Day and the beginning of a week-long series of events and activities happening around the globe.

Commonwealth Day 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013. The theme for this year is ‘Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future’. The theme combines the active commitment of member states to support the promotion of peace, prosperity and sustainability, especially through climate action, so as to secure a better future for our young people and improve the lives of all Commonwealth citizens.     

In His message, His Majesty the King said, “The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me. Its near-boundless potential as a force for good in the world demands our highest ambition, its sheer scale challenges us to unite and be bold.”

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said, “This is a poignant Commonwealth Day as it is the first since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing, and the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth. We as a Borough should try to exemplify the themes for 2023, promoting peace within our communities, encouraging prosperity, celebrating equal opportunity for all and tackling climate change.”

A Commonwealth Flag was raised at Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill to Mark Commonwealth Day 2023.