Flags were raised this morning to mark Commonwealth Day.

The Comet: A flag was raised at North Herts District Council offices this morning to mark Commonwealth DayA flag was raised at North Herts District Council offices this morning to mark Commonwealth Day (Image: Archant)

Flags were raised across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire this morning to mark Commonwealth Day along with more than 500 groups throughout the British Isles.

North Herts District Council (NHDC) took part in the flag raising event with chairman Cllr Jane Gray reading a written Commonwealth Affirmation at the ceremony at the Council Offices in Letchworth GC.

A personal message from Her Majesty the Queen to all those taking part in the Commonwealth Affirmation was also read out which said: “I am pleased that so many people will be taking part in the ‘Fly the Flag for the Commonwealth’ initiative, which will see a record number of Commonwealth flags being raised on the day. I send my good wishes to all those taking part.”

The deputy mayor of Stevenage Borough Council, Cllr Sherma Batson, joined fellow councillors, Royal British Legion representatives and community groups to raise the Commonwealth flag at Daneshill House.

Cllr Batson said, “Today’s event is an opportunity for communities to celebrate Commonwealth Day and the shared goals of democracy, development and respect for diversity. It also marks the largest single raising of this flag in the history of the Commonwealth and I’m delighted that Stevenage is part of the 500 flags being raised today in celebration of Commonwealth Day.”

The Commonwealth flag was raised in front of Hertfordshire county councillors, staff and the Lord Lieutenant at County Hall in Hertford today.

Richard Smith, chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “I was brought up to believe in the importance of the Commonwealth and think it is wonderful to be celebrating its success.

“It is an exciting moment of absolute togetherness of the Commonwealth when we celebrate a commitment to the Commonwealth and appreciation of the values it stands for and the opportunities offered to its citizens around the world.”

Central Bedfordshire Council also took part in the ceremony at the Priory House in Chicksands.

The Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, said: “Bedfordshire, with its vibrant and diverse communities, is an excellent example of the benefits of peoples coming together under the umbrella of this important institution.”

“All our citizens, particularly the young, can express appreciation for the Commonwealth and the values for which it stands and the rich opportunities it offers for mutual support towards more inclusive social and more equitable economic progress.”