Merchant navy virtual service at Haywards Heath Town Hall

Alastair McPherson, town mayor, said: ““Haywards Heath Town Council would like to remember and raise awareness of our dependence on our past, present and future seafarers.

“We will proudly fly the Red Ensign at Muster Green and hold a virtual two-minute silence at 11am to pay our respect to the brave men and women who kept the United Kingdom afloat during both world wars and to thank all the modern seafarers who are responsible for more than 90 per cent of our imports and exports today.”

“We owe a gratitude of thanks to the brave members of the Merchant Navy who played a vital role in our history in the most difficult and dangerous conditions and will be flying the Red Ensign at our War Memorial on Muster Green in their honour.

The council has asked the community to send in photos, memories or stories of the Merchant Navy or their experiences of the Merchant Navy to [email protected].

These will be added to the council’s virtual coverage of the ceremony on the day, available on its social media channels.