Torridge flies the flag for Commonwealth Day
Torridge District Council celebrated Commonwealth Day this week, an annual celebration observed in 54 member countries from all corners of the world.
Its current members represent more than 2.5 billion people, or about a third of the world’s population and nearly a quarter of the world. It remains a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states that was established by the London Declaration of 1949 as the Commonwealth of Nations, but remains open for any country to join.
This year, Commonwealth Day was celebrated on March 13 and focused on the theme “Creating a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future”. It was also the first Commonwealth Day since Her Majesty’s death and the first to be presided over by His Majesty King Charles III at national events. as King and Head of the Commonwealth.
This year, Commonwealth member states will continue to support the Commonwealth of Nations Flag for Peace initiative, which was launched last December. Flags for Peace symbolize the shared values and principles of the Commonwealth and will be shared with every Commonwealth nation to be displayed on government buildings in major cities.
The raising of the Commonwealth flag at Torridge Council’s offices was chaired by Council Chairman – Councilor Doug Bushby and Mayor of Bideford and District Councilor Jude Gubb, joined by other district and city councilors and officials.
Councilor Doug Bushby, Chairman of Torridge District Council, said: “The theme of creating a sustainable and peaceful shared future demonstrates the commitment of Member States to work together on climate action and to support the development of free and democratic societies.
“The community has evolved over the years, but its foundations are firmly rooted in shared values of prosperity, democracy, peace and mutual respect. This cornerstone of the Commonwealth has never been more poignant as we recently recognized the milestone year of the conflict in Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with other members in our call for peace and in our condemnation of violence and aggression wherever they occur, and we invite others to join us in this pledge.
