![flag-raising ceremony](/images/Commonwealth_flag_flying_group_resized_1.jpg)
The Mayor of Havering, Councillor Dilip Patel, raised the Commonwealth Flag outside the Town Hall in Romford on Monday 11 March, to mark Commonwealth Day.
Members of the public, including children from Parklands Junior School and Crownfield Infants School, attended the event to hear messages from the Queen, the Commonwealth Secretary General and The Mayor of Havering, who recited the Commonwealth Affirmations. The flag was then raised at 10am.
Commonwealth Day is celebrated across the Commonwealth by young people, schools, communities and civil society organisations. It provides an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international cooperation and the work of Commonwealth organisations.
Mayor of Havering, Councillor Dilip Patel, said:
“Today marks a time for communities to come together to learn about and celebrate the Commonwealth.
“This year’s theme is ‘A Connected Commonwealth’ and it explores the need for us to work together to protect our natural environment and the ocean that we share, and cooperate on trade to encourage economic empowerment for all.”