Commonwealth flags are flying on town halls across Norfolk and Suffolk

Eastern Daily Press: The flag was hoisted at Great Yarmouth Town Hall by Malcolm Bird, the mayor of the Great Yarmouth borough, with help from the mayoress, Donna Bird, and Major Paul Dodson, of 901 Troop Marina Cadets, T.S. Fearless.The flag was hoisted at Great Yarmouth Town Hall by Malcolm Bird, the mayor of the Great Yarmouth borough, with help from the mayoress, Donna Bird, and Major Paul Dodson, of 901 Troop Marina Cadets, T.S. Fearless. (Image: Archant)

The flag flying is to mark Commonwealth Day, which is held on the second Monday in March each year.

It is a celebration of the 52 countries which make up the Commonwealth - which was founded in December 1931.

At Broadland District Council, the council's chairman John Ward raised the flag over the council offices.

As part of the flag-raising, the chairman also read the Commonwealth affirmation to council staff and members.

Eastern Daily Press: John Ward, chairman of Broadland District Council, with the Commonwealth flag. Pic: Broadland District Council.John Ward, chairman of Broadland District Council, with the Commonwealth flag. Pic: Broadland District Council. (Image: Broadland District Council.)

The Commonwealth Flag was proudly flying at Great Yarmouth Town Hall to as part of the Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth initiative.

The flag was hoisted by Malcolm Bird, the mayor of the Great Yarmouth borough, with help from the mayoress, Donna Bird, and Major Paul Dodson, of 901 Troop Marine Cadets, T.S. Fearless.

The fly the flag initiative has been organised by Bruno Peek, of Gorleston.

In Dereham, the flag was raised outside the Breckland Council offices by the authority's chairman Bill Borrett.

Eastern Daily Press: Breckland Council chairman Bill Borrett holds the Commonwealth flag with Breckland councillors and senior management. Pic: Breckland Council.Breckland Council chairman Bill Borrett holds the Commonwealth flag with Breckland councillors and senior management. Pic: Breckland Council. (Image: Breckland Council)

The flag-raising at Elizabeth House was attended by Breckland councillors and senior management, and the Commonwealth affirmation was read by Mr Borrett before the flag was raised.

He said: 'The theme of Commonwealth Day this year, 'A Peace-building Commonwealth', is particularly appropriate at this time, and I am proud to join hundreds of others in reading the affirmation today, marking the fellowship and celebrating the diversity of 52 nations, united by history, culture and the shared values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.'

North Norfolk District Council chairman John Lee led a short service at the authority's headquarters in Cromer to mark Commonwealth Day, followed by the raising of the Commonwealth flag.

Mr Lee said: 'I am proud for North Norfolk District Council to join so many Commonwealth communities around the world raising our flags. Together we mark our membership of this important organisation of nations and our commitment to its shared goals.'

Eastern Daily Press: Youngsters from Bignold Primary School met Norwich Lord Mayor Marion Maxwell as part of Commonwealth Day. Pic: Norwich City Council.Youngsters from Bignold Primary School met Norwich Lord Mayor Marion Maxwell as part of Commonwealth Day. Pic: Norwich City Council. (Image: Norwich City Council.)

Norwich City Council hosted 12 students from Bignold Primary School, who are Unicef Rights Respecting Ambassadors.

They gathered in front of the flagpole, were greeted by the Lord Mayor and the Commonwealth flag was then raised.

A traditional ceremony marked Commonwealth Day in the coastal town of Southwold.

More than 80 people gathered to attend the ceremony, including town councillors, representatives from the Royal British Legion and pupils from Southwold Primary School.

Eastern Daily Press: Southwold town mayor Melanie Tucker raises the Commonwealth flag at Southwold Town Hall. Picture: ANTONY KELLYSouthwold town mayor Melanie Tucker raises the Commonwealth flag at Southwold Town Hall. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

The event took place at the town hall as part of the Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth nationwide initiative.

Southwold Town mayor Melanie Tucker read the Commonwealth Affirmation along with a special message from Commonwealth secretary general.

The Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, The Right Honorable Patricia Scotland, QC, said of the day: 'At a time of increasing instability and uncertainty in the world, the Commonwealth family of nations in its rich diversity becomes an ever more-needed source of strength and hope for all its members.

''A Peace-building Commonwealth' is a natural follow-on from our previous theme of 'An Inclusive Commonwealth', and reaffirms the Commonwealth Charter principle that international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and development and the rule of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all.'

Eastern Daily Press: John Boisson, Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Norfolk. Pat Browton, a Canadian resident who is visiting friends and family in Norfolk, and the chairman of Norfolk County Council, David Collis. Pic: Norfolk County Council.John Boisson, Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Norfolk. Pat Browton, a Canadian resident who is visiting friends and family in Norfolk, and the chairman of Norfolk County Council, David Collis. Pic: Norfolk County Council. (Image: Norfolk County Council)