Flag raising for Commonwealth Day

Civic dignitaries were joined by school children and members of the Bristol Commonwealth Society to raise the Commonwealth flag on College Green on Commonwealth Day.  HM Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding read The Queen's message to the Commonwealth.  This year marks the 70th anniversary of the London Declaration which marks the creation of the Commonwealth.  Nations of the Commonwealth join together as free and equal countries united by history and propelled forward with the hope of finding ways to protect our planet and people.  Despite the many changes since its foundation, the Commonwealth demonstrates how the network's values of cooperation and mutual support endure over generations.  The Lord Mayor Cllr Cleo Lake read out the Affirmation, itself followed by a response read by everyone gathered together.  Canon Michael Roden offered a prayer and blessing.