Post by KG on Jul 23, 2024 2:53:51 GMT
On Sunday 14th July 2024, we celebrated Sea Sunday, a day dedicated to honouring the invaluable contributions of those who tirelessly keep global trade afloat; The Mission to Seamen. On Sea Sunday, churches across the world came together to pray for seafarers’ everywhere and for their families. Sea Sunday, is a day to honour and remember all seafarers’ past and present. Our 2024 Sea Sunday theme was 'Calming the storm'; Sailors’ society.
Locally, Barry and the Vale, the Barry branch of the Merchant Navy Association (Wales) with welcomed assistance again this year organised the Sea Sunday Service at the Seafarers’ Memorial (The Anchor) on Barry Waterfront. A contingent from visiting Merchant Navy Association branches and Wales National, were welcomed.
The Service was officiated by Father Chris Seaton, readings by the Deputy Mayor Naomi Marshallsea, Prayers, Exhortation by an MNA Wales Representative, Last Post by Barry Brass Band bugler, Ms Rose Fisher. Standards were dipped and raised; Wreaths laid, as well as Anthems, Prayers and Blessings, Silence and Reveille.
Taking part representatives and Colleagues of local sea related organisations including Barry Dock RNLI, Barry Coastguard Rescue Team and National Coasthingych, Sea Cubs and Sea Scouts, Sea Cadets and Veterans – on a day to honour and remember all seafarers. The Barry branch of the RBL and related organisations were also present or took part. A good turn out from the public, family and loved ones.
Barry is noted - among other things - as being a former Merchant Navy Town, An Historic Port "once described by seamen as the Gateway to the World". Attending helps remember these people, and their greatly undervalued contribution to the conflicts: Barry (and district) suffered proportionately more than most other areas in the loss of those whose normal life was working on ships.
Barry in its history has always played her part (In and out of conflict) and support not only our armed forces but also remembers all those that left Barry Docks, local or from other parts and never returned. Many recall the numbers of casualties the Merchant Navy suffered during conflicts and locally the Vale of Glamorgan and Wales, many were from or sailed from Barry.
Thanks to all that attended and took part. Diolch yn fawr.
SEAFARERS NEED YOUR PRAYERS