Youngsters have one more week to be in with a chance to help raise the Commonwealth flag in Hertsmere.
The Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Charles Goldstein, will lead a flag-raising ceremony on Monday 12 March at the Civic Offices in Borehamwood as part of a multi-national celebration of the Commonwealth. Ahead of the day, children aged between five and 11 from across the borough are invited to enter a competition. The winner will be invited, along with their classmates, to the ceremony at 10am, which is open to all members of the public.
To enter, they will have to name the Commonwealth country with the largest population and the country with the smallest.
Cllr Goldstein said: “Young people are the future of the Commonwealth and so that’s why I feel it’s important to include the younger members of our community in our ceremony.
“The aim of Commonwealth Day is to help raise awareness of the traditions, beliefs and challenges of other member states. The greater our understanding of other cultures and traditions, the more tolerance we can help foster in the world.”
The Commonwealth represents 2.5 billion people and 53 member states. Flags will be raised in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe as a way of promoting understanding on global issues and Commonwealth values, as well as raising awareness of the work of Commonwealth organisations.
This year’s theme is ‘Towards a Common Future’, and aims to explore how the Commonwealth can address global challenges and work to create a better future for all citizens.
The deadline to enter the competition has been extended until 5pm on Friday 2 March. To enter please contact the Mayor’s Secretary on 020 8207 7477 or email mayors.secretary@hertsmere.gov.uk
For more information visit www.thecommonwealth.org/commonwealthday
