Merchant Navy sacrifices commemorated by Union in London

Nautilus deputy general secretary Olu Tunde represented the Union at a special Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service held at the Merchant Navy Memorial on Tower Hill in London on Sunday 8 September.

Mr Tunde laid a wreath on behalf of the Union at the foot of the memorial. He was pleased to speak with several retired members in attendance who were previously part of the Nautilus's predecessor union NUMAST.

'The sacrifice made by the Merchant Navy must not be allowed to disappear from our history and conscience,' said Mr Tunde. 'The Merchant Navy was there in times of war and in peacetime to provide us with life's essential goods and services. We must continue to remember those who paid the ultimate price.'

The annual Commemorative Service is hosted by the Merchant Navy Association (MNA) and includes a band-led parade, service and wreath laying.

Nautilus was at the forefront in lobbying the UK government to formally recognise Merchant Navy Day, which eventually received official recognition in the year 2000. It is held on 3 September each year, the anniversary of the start of the Second World War, during which many thousands of Merchant Navy crew lost their lives. Their names and those of the vessels they served on are engraved onto the London Tower Hill Memorial and they are commemorated during the MNA's annual parade and ceremony, which is held on the nearest weekend to Merchant Navy Day.