Merchant Navy
BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Captain Malcolm Mathison MNM,
National Chairman,
Merchant Navy Association.
Please convey my warm thanks to the Members of the Merchant
Navy Association for their kind letter sent on the occasion of Merchant
Navy Day today.
I was pleased to learn that local commemorative services throughout Britain and the Commonwealth are taking place this year, and that thanks will be expressed to the serving seafarers who have been transporting goods and materials worldwide throughout the Covid- 19 pandemic.
Your continued support is much valued and, in return, I send my best wishes to you all.
ELIZABETH R.
3rd September, 2021.
AND
A Message from the Prine Minister
10 DOWNING STREET
LONDON SWlA 2AA
THE PRIME MINISTER
I am delighted to send a message of support to all those marking
Merchant Navy Day 2021.
Since 2000, this day has provided an opportunity to gather as a community
and reflect on the contributions of those merchant seafarers who have helped
create the nation we live in today. It is an opportunity to honour those who
gave their lives during wartime and celebrate the successes of peacetime.
As we face the Coronavirus pandemic, it fills me with pride and admiration
to think of the selflessness and determination of those seafarers who have
kept our country warm, fed and healthy, and our economy running, during a
time of such uncertainty. It is in challenging times like these, that we are
reminded of the enduring strength and relevance of the Merchant Navy –
every bit as vital to our country today, as a century ago.
In the last twelve months, the International Chamber of Shipping and the
seafarers’ charity, Stella Maris, celebrated their 100th anniversaries, and 2021
also marks 80 years since escort ships were brought together to protect the
Merchant Navy during the Battle of the Atlantic to help safeguard both
essential goods and lives.
The Merchant Navy and the wider seafaring community continue to be a
shining beacon of the very best of our British maritime traditions as well as
our ambitions for the future. I send my best wishes to all those marking the
day and I look forward to hearing of the Merchant Navy’s continued successes.
September 2021