MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Breaking News from Stanley

Headlines: How did the 14th June in Stanley go?; In the United Kingdom; Arbroath;Order of British Empire

Stanley

How did the 14th June in Stanley go? Despite an atrocious weather forecast, the Liberation Day ceremony went ahead as planned. In a bitter wind with sporadic snow squalls, the fallen of the Falklands Conflict were commemorated. As a special event to mark the 20th anniversary of the war, the British Forces, represented by members of the Army, Navy & Royal Airforce, were given the Freedom of the Falklands. Various dignitaries & veterans, (who huddled under blankets in the specially constructed viewing gallery, which ironically turned out to be the most exposed position), watched the events - as did hundreds of hardy residents from Stanley & Camp. Members of the armed forces & the FIDF paraded before the Liberation Monument on a road surface, which PWD, in a tremendous effort had managed to clear of snow. After the service of remembrance, the British Forces were awarded a scroll to mark the conferring of the Freedom of the Falklands; they then fixed bayonets & marched through Stanley to music from the Royal Marines band. The solemnity of the parade to remember those who died was in contrast to the festive nature of a huge reception held in the FIDF hall celebrating the return of freedom for the Falkland Islands. Both the Governor & Adam Ingram, the Armed Forces Minister, made speeches paying tribute to the courage, skill & professionalism of the British Armed Forces & the fortitude & optimism of the Falkland Islanders.

Uinted Kingdom

In the UK, Baroness Thatcher was joined by Sir Rex Hunt at a memorial service in Gosport, Hampshire. To remember the soldiers killed she lay a single white rose and praised those who fought ?heroically' to restore Falklands' sovereignty. And the Duke of York, a conflict veteran attended a separate memorial ceremony at the Falkland Islands chapel in Pangbourne, Berkshire. He'll be coming to the Falklands in November for the SAMA pilgrimage and Remembrance Sunday.

Arbroath

And around 450 Royal Marine veterans and their families gathered in Arbroath to pay tribute to their fallen comrades. Retired Major General Andrew Whitehead who led the commando unit during the conflict, said the organisers were delighted at the response. Yesterday, they remembered 13 soldiers who died in a service at the camp's Bewley Hall. The men from 45 commando played a vital role in the conflict securing the Two sisters mountain range under enemy fire.

Order of British Empire

A Falkland Islander has been awarded the OBE by the Queen. Ex-Councillor and chair of the 2002 commemorations committee, Lewis Clifton was told of the honour last night. The governor announced Mr Clifton had been awarded the OBE at a reception on board HMS Newcastle. His Excellency, Donald Lamont said reasons are never given as to why people are honoured but Lewis Clifton served the Falklands as Councillor internationally and in London. As well as chairing the 2002 Committee this had produced such a memorable programme.