MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands celebrate Queen's birthday

Despite frequent snow showers, hundreds of Falkland Islanders paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth 2nd on her 76th birthday.

Members of Her Majesty's Forces, who are stationed at the Military Base at Mt. Pleasant, joined the local volunteer Falkland Islands Defence Force (FIDF) and youth movements, in a Parade which held on the capital's main street, Ross Road.

His Excellency the Governor Mr. Donald Lamont and the Commander British Forces Falkland Islands, Commodore Richard Ibbotson, jointly inspected detachments of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Army and FIDF.

In the year which sees the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Falklands War, it was appropriate that the Military Band which was flown all the way from Britain to take part in the Queen's Birthday Parade, was that of the Parachute Regiment. The Paratroopers played a major role in liberating the Islands from Argentine occupation of 14 June 1982.

The hoisting of the Royal Standard at the Victory Green flagpole signified the ?presence' of the Queen, while a 21 gun salute was fired, and all troops present gave Her Majesty ?three hearty cheers' in celebration of her birthday.

A fleet of helicopters, a Royal Air Force V.C.10, and several Tornado fighter aircraft produced a spectacular fly-past.

Later Governor Lamont and his wife entertained nearly 400 guests to a reception at Government House in honour of Queen Elizabeth's 76th birthday.