On Monday morning, I raised the Commonwealth Flag next to the community centre. It was a moving moment for me, as the Commonwealth embodies so much of what I believe in, as indeed described by the Secretary General:
By working together in practical ways in our local communities, and by interacting and cooperating across national boundaries, we build and sustain a more strongly connected Commonwealth that is mutually respectful, resilient, peaceful and prosperous and that cherishes equality of opportunity and inclusiveness.
Our Town Crier introduced the event in his usual amazing style!
And I then read the statement from The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General
And then just before I hoisted the flag, I read the Commonwealth Affirmation:
“Joining together as members of one worldwide
Commonwealth community, and valuing the personal dignity
and worth of every citizen, we raise this flag as a symbol of
the ties of kinship and affinity that we cherish. We draw
inspiration from our diversity, and the opportunities for
working together, as a rich source of wisdom and a powerful
influence for good in the world. We affirm our commitment
to upholding the values set out in the Commonwealth
Charter, to serving one another in a spirit of respect and
understanding, and to advancing development, democracy
and cooperation locally, nationally and internationally.”
(Thanks to Amanda for the organisation and these pics and to Katharine for helping me get prepared)
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