Solihull has been invited to support the Commonwealth of Nations Flag for Peace initiative as part of this year’s Commonwealth Day.
Each year, Solihull Council raises the Commonwealth Flag during a small ceremony to commemorate Commonwealth Day. This year, to mark ten years since the late Queen Elizabeth II signed the Commonwealth Charter, each city in the UK will receive a special, Commonwealth Flag of Peace to fly on Commonwealth Day (Monday 13 March 2023). While the initiative is primarily aimed at cities, special exceptions have been made for some towns, including Solihull, to participate.
The Commonwealth Flag of Peace features a white dove of peace in the bottom right-hand corner of the Commonwealth flag, symbolising the shared values and principles of the Commonwealth, including co-operation on economic and social development, diversity, respect, friendship and the promotion of peace around the world.
Speaking on the Commonwealth Flag for Peace, Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:
“The Charter of the Commonwealth, signed on 11 March 2013, is a landmark document. It is the definitive expression of the values and aspirations of all Commonwealth countries.
“Assessed against our own history, and against the vast history of human struggle and progress, the Commonwealth is closer to those values than ever before. So, while the whole Commonwealth celebrates the tenth anniversary of the signing of our Charter, the Flag for Peace is a fitting way to recognise those values as we endeavour to live up to them.”
The Commonwealth Flag of Peace initiative will be delivered in partnership with the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and Bruno Peek, Pageantmaster, in tribute to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This will be the first Commonwealth Day since her passing and the first to be presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as Head of the Commonwealth.