MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Remembrance Day arrangements Nov. 9th in the Falklands

Poppy Day Ceremony in Stanley

The Falkland Islands Legislative Council announced arrangements for Remembrance Day on Sunday 9th November 2008.

The ceremony begins with a Memorial Service in Christ Church Cathedral commencing at 9.30 am. His Excellency the Governor, Commander British Forces, members of Council, visiting and resident South Atlantic veterans, together with Senior Officers of the Armed Services will be attending this Service. The Service will be led by the Rev Dr Richard Hines. During the Service a collection will be made for the Poppy Appeal. Seating in the Cathedral will be on a first come first served basis. At 10.10 am detachments from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and the Falkland Islands Defence Force led by the Cosford Area Voluntary Band will form up on Ross Road. They will be joined by Veterans and Associations and begin their march to the Cross of Sacrifice at 10:30 am. Youth organisations will be present at the Cross of Sacrifice. At 10.48 am HE the Governor and the Commander British Forces will arrive at the Cross of Sacrifice. A short service will then be held and the Roll of Honour read out. There will be two minutes silence at 11.00 am marked by the firing of the saluting guns on Victory Green. His Excellency the Governor, a member of the Legislative Council, the Commander British Forces, will lay wreaths, followed by representatives of the Armed Services, The Falkland Islands Defence Force, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Royal British Legion. Others wishing to lay wreaths will then do so. The official release from Gilbert House points out that Remembrance Sunday is an important public occasion and invites all members of the community to attend the observance ceremony and play an equal part in honouring Falkland Islands residents who lost their lives while serving their country in two World Wars. It is appropriate for medals to be worn on this occasion.