Today Merchant Navy Day is being commemorated across the UK

Monuments on Tower Hill record the names of over 36,000 merchant seamen and fishermen who were lost at sea during the First and Second World Wars and the Falklands.

It is hoped that Merchant Navy Day, September 3, becomes a celebrated annual event with local authorities and public buildings across the land paying thanks to seafarers on this day.

We depend on them to defend our shores, trade with other countries and import essential food and fuel.

September 3 was chosen as Merchant Navy Day because on this day in 1939 – the first day of World War II – the SS Athenia was the first merchant ship to be torpedoed with the loss of 128 passengers and crew.

The Red Ensign will be raised on the civic centre flag pole outside the council chamber by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alan Emerson accompanied by Captain Steve Healy of Trinity House in Newcastle, with the public invited to attend to show their support.

A red ensign will be flown from the flagpoles in South Cliff Gardens at 10am.

With the trumpet voluntary A Life on the Ocean Wave resounding across the square by Old County Hall, Buckinghamshire County Council Chairman Val Letheren ceremonially raised the flag to mark national Merchant Navy Day on Saturday.

In front of the Red Ensign flying above Guildhall, Paul Denham paid tribute to the sailors who died at sea.

The Earl of Wessex, president of Seafarers UK, said the campaign saluted the courage and sacrifices of the “unsung” sailors. “By raising the Red Ensign, we ensure at least on this day they are remembered”.