Dorset Council will be holding two commemorative ceremonies at the Memorial Corner outside County Hall in the coming days.
Sunday 8th March marks the National Day of Reflection across the UK – a moment for communities to come together to remember the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and an informal gathering will be held at the Memorial area at 10am.
Now six years on from the start of the pandemic, the day offers us all the chance to pause, reflect, and acknowledge both the collective and personal experiences that shaped this unique period in our history. It is also an opportunity to remember those who died, and the many people who made extraordinary sacrifices to support others.
Cllr Stella Jones MBE, Chair of Dorset Council, will be at the Memorial from 10:00–10:45am to reflect and speak with attendees. She warmly welcomes anyone who wishes to join her during this time. She will offer a brief reflection, after which a one minute silence will be observed. This will be followed by remarks from His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s representative, Mr Colin Weston MBE JP DL, and subsequently from Mrs Shelley Rose, representing the Verwood Covid Community Group.
The following day, Monday 9th March, the Commonwealth Day Flag Raising Ceremony will also be held at the Memorial area outside County Hall at 10am.
This year’s theme, ‘Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth’, highlights the importance of cooperation among member nations to create equitable, transformative, and high impact opportunities for all citizens. The theme reflects the commitment of Commonwealth Secretary General Shirley Botchwey to fostering shared prosperity and addressing global challenges collectively.
The ceremony will open with a prayer delivered by the Minister, Revd Ruth Lownsbrough of Dorset South and West Circuit, followed by a performance of All Over the World by St Osmund’s School Choir.
The Affirmation will be presented by the Chair of Dorset Council, Cllr Stella Jones MBE, followed by the reading of The King’s Message by HM Lord Lieutenant, Mr Michael Dooley LVO.
The Commonwealth Flag will be raised by Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, ACF Aggy-Su Jamie, and the High Sheriff of Dorset, Mr Callum Bremner JP, will deliver the Message from the Secretary General.
This year, the ceremony will also include a special address from Mrs Sivo Ratulailai, Dorset Council Officer and Commonwealth descendant. Mrs Ratulailai will speak about her 22 year career in the British Army, during which she became the first Fijian female to complete full service, as well as the service of both her husband and her father—one of 212 Fijians recruited in 1961—who are Commonwealth Veterans.
St Osmund’s School Choir will perform Many Nations, before Revd Lownsbrough delivers the closing prayer.
The ceremony will conclude with the playing of the National Anthem, performed by Mr Fred Slade of the Durnovaria Silver Band.
Commonwealth citizens, councillors, staff and members of the public are warmly invited to attend.
