Commonwealth Day flag raising ceremony – 2023

On Monday 13 March 2023 people in Commonwealth countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe observed Commonwealth Day.

In Highland, the Provost of Inverness, Councillors and guests met in the Town House, Inverness on Monday morning for a short ceremony.

The Provost of Inverness Councillor Glynis Sinclair read the Commonwealth Affirmation, and this was followed by the raising of the Commonwealth flag.

Commonwealth Day 2023 marked the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013.

This was the first Commonwealth Day since Her Majesty’s passing, and the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Affirmation reads:

“We affirm that every person possesses unique worth and dignity.

“We affirm our desire for peace among all peoples and nations, and our belief in justice for everyone, everywhere.

“We affirm our respect for the natural world, and that we will be stewards of the earth by caring for every part of it, and working together for a sustainable future.

“We affirm our support for all young people, in every part of our Commonwealth, and our belief that the future success of the Commonwealth rests with them.

“Joining together in kinship and affinity, in diversity and unity, as members of a worldwide family of nations, we build on shared inheritances.

“We co-operate with mutual respect and goodwill to deliver our common goals, for the common good.

“Through our Commonwealth connection we see each other, hear each other, learn from one another, and innovate to transform our communities and our nations, towards a more peaceful and sustainable common future for all.”