The Mayor of Havering, Councillor Michael Deon Burton, raised the Commonwealth Flag outside the Town Hall in Romford on Monday 9 March, to mark Commonwealth Day.
Members of the public, children from Parklands Junior School, councillors and staff attended the event to hear messages from the Queen, the Commonwealth Secretary General, recited by Andrew Rosindell MP, and the Deputy Lieutenant, who recited the Commonwealth Affirmation.
A speech from the Mayor of Havering was followed by the flag being raised at 10am.
Commonwealth Day is celebrated across the Commonwealth by young people, schools, communities and civil society organisations. It provides an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international cooperation and the work of Commonwealth organisations.
Mayor of Havering, Councillor Michael Deon Burton, said:
"Today marks a time for communities to come together to learn about and celebrate the Commonwealth.
"This year’s theme is all about delivering a common future through connecting, innovating and transforming. Our diverse family of 54 Commonwealth countries connect on many levels through deep-rooted networks of friendship and goodwill – together we can use these networks to help tackle global issues and improve lives of everybody in the Commonwealth.”