Falklands : WIND AND SNOW GREET FALKLANDS’ LIBERATION DAY
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 14.06.2012 (Article Archived on 28.06.2012)
People in the Falkland Islands marked the 30th anniversary of Falklands Liberation with a service at Christ Church Cathedral led by the Rev Dr Richard Hines.
Photo (c) J. Brock (FINN) via FITV
WIND AND SNOW GREET FALKLANDS’ LIBERATION DAY
By J. Brock (FINN)
The Hon Mr Jeremy Browne MP, Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office lays a wreath at the 1982 War memorial in Stanley, Falkland Islands
Photo (c) J. Brock (FINN) via FITV
People in the Falkland Islands marked the 30th anniversary of Falklands Liberation with a service at Christ Church Cathedral led by the Rev Dr Richard Hines. Other clergy present were the Armed Forces Chaplain and Rev Fr Peter Norris SFO. Jackie Earnshaw from the Tabernacle also took part. Throughout the service music was provided by Salamanca Band of Rifles.
In his remarks to the congregation the Rev Dr Richard Hines said that 30 years on he had grown increasingly aware how very close to the surface memories of 1982 have become for many Falkland Islanders and veterans. He made mention of the sacrifices of Islanders in Camp and in Stanley as well as those who fought to free Islanders, while caring for one another as best as they could. He praised Islanders’ inner strength in enduring 74 days of Argentine occupation. He also paid tribute to Islanders putting up with rapid and unavoidable changes to their traditional community lives. However, he added, it gives people time to take stock. He believes that the Lord in mindful of Falkland Islanders and has brought them to this very day with profound gratitude.
As the service ended heavy snow began to fall and temperature became bitterly cold as cloud cover thickened. Nonetheless, the band as well as contingents from Veterans, Parachute Regiment, Royal Air-force, Royal Navy and Falkland Islands’ Defence Force marched from the Cathedral to the 1982 War Memorial. Along with the parade standard bearers from the Royal British legion, the Royal Marines Association and the FIDF Association formed up to make their way to the Memorial.
Despite the heavy snow the act of remembrance at the 1982 War memorial began in time with the arrival of H.E. the Governor Mr Nigel Haywood and Mrs Haywood, Brigadier and Mrs Aldridge and the Hon Jeremy Browne MP, Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Approximately 400 people attended the service regardless of the weather.
Members of the Youth Organisations as well as representatives from the Royal British Legion, Royal Marines Association and the FIDF Association stood in place for the act of remembrance.
After the National Anthem was sung, prayers were said by the Armed Forces Chaplain and Rev Fr Peter Norris SFO and Jackie Earnshaw from the Tabernacle. Rev Dr Hines welcomed all a in attendance at the 1982 Memorial. “In what follows in the next few minutes we bring into focus the profound gratitude felt by Falkland Islanders for the costly courage and personal sacrifices which were the price of the liberty and life which are enjoyed today,” he said.
After the silence wreaths were laid by H. E. the Governor Mr Nigel Hayward on behalf of H. M. the Queen, The Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Mr Jeremy Browne MP, The Hon Mrs Jan Cheek, MLA on behalf of the people of the Falkland Islands, Commander British Forces, Brigadier Bill Aldridge CBSAI, on behalf of the armed services and Karen Minto on behalf of the former Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Thatcher, The Falkland Islands Government Chief Executive, Keith Padgett, on behalf of the Falkland Islands Government and Gary Clement for the South Atlantic Medal Association. Many others laid wreaths, including service organisations and Falkland Islanders.
After the act of remembrance contingents of British Forces exercised the Freedom of the Falkland Islands by marching to the 1914 Monument and back past the Memorial towards the Jetty Centre at the end of Ross Road. Approximately 400 people who attended the act of remembrance also cheered on the troops as they passed.
A Reception held at the Falkland Islands Defence Force Hall is expected to last until 2330hrs.
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