Falklands : Argentine '82 Veteran Honoured at Darwin Cemetery
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 13.03.2009 (Article Archived on 01.05.2009)

The remains of 1st Lt. Jorge Casco were buried at Darwin cemetery on Saturday 7 March 2009 in the presence of family members who travelled to and from the Islands on a private civil aircraft.

Argentine '82 Veteran Honoured at Darwin Cemetery

By J. Brock (FINN)

The remains of 1st Lt. Jorge Casco were buried at Darwin cemetery on Saturday 7 March 2009 in the presence of family members who travelled to and from the Islands on a private civil aircraft.

Monsignor Michael McPartland conducted the internment.  In line with previous protocol and in accordance with the Geneva Convention, the UK Military provided military honours during the burial, including a firing party. 

1^st Lt. Casco’s remains were discovered by the UK military on South Jason Island with the wreckage of his Skyhawk aircraft.  At the Argentine Government's request, the remains were returned to Argentina in July 2008 for DNA testing.  Following confirmation that they belonged to 1st Lt. Casco, his family requested that his remains be buried at the cemetery at Darwin.  Partial remains of 1st Lt. Casco were buried at Darwin cemetery after they were discovered in 1982.

1^st Lt. Casco’s burial at Darwin involved close co-operation with the Falkland Islands and Argentine governments.  All arrangements were handled with the utmost respect for the needs and wishes of 1^st Lt. Casco’s family.  Elected Members of the Legislative Assembly were fully consulted throughout.

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