Commonwealth Day 2022 Report
On Monday 14 March 2022, Silloth-on-Solway took part in the Commonwealth Day celebration, with the raising of the Commonwealth Flag in the Community Garden on Silloth Green.
Commonwealth Day will be commemorated by 54 countries across the world, honouring their shared values and rich diversity as members of the Commonwealth.
Every year, people in Commonwealth countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe observe the day with a range of activities, including faith and civic gatherings, flag raising ceremonies and cultural events.
This year’s celebrations, held under the theme ‘Delivering a Common Future’, will be historic, marking 70 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and her role as Head of the Commonwealth.
At 9.45 am, Cllr. Graham Wilkinson, Deputy Mayor of Silloth welcomed everyone to the Flag Raising Ceremony. The ceremony was well attended, with representatives from Solway Community School, Silloth Primary School and other groups and organisations in the town. It was a pleasant, if not breezy Spring morning, interspersed with outbreaks of sunshine.
Despite issues with the PA system, Cllr. Wilkinson read out an extract from the annual message from, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland in which she underlined the significance of Commonwealth solidarity during this time of global uncertainty:
“In an uncertain world, with multilateralism under strain, the Commonwealth shines as a beacon of hope and promise, inspiring confidence in the benefits of international co-operation and collective action.
“We celebrate the diversity that enriches us, and the similarities that enable us to work to together. Our points of unity make the Commonwealth unique in our world. Drawing from the deep wells of our unique history, they enable us to face the challenges of the 21st Century with clarity, unity and purpose.”
The Secretary-General called for all Commonwealth nations to “stand together” in the face of multiple global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed nearly one million lives in the Commonwealth, climate change and ongoing insecurity.
Four year 7 pupils from Solway Community School went on to read out the Commonwealth Affirmation. This common act of witness renews the commitment of people in Commonwealth countries to work together inclusively and in a spirit of goodwill towards democracy and development in which all can share.
At 10.00am, Cllr. Wilkinson, raised the Commonwealth Flag, this being the eighth year that Silloth has taken part in the celebration.
Thank you to everyone for attending the ceremony.
HM The Queen 2022 Commonwealth Day Message.pdf
Commonwealth Day Message from the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth 2022.pdf
