MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falklands remembered at Gosport
A service to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Falklands war was held at Falklands Gardens, Gosport, looking out onto Portsmouth Harbour where so many ships sailed in 1982 to liberate the Falklands.
Several hundred veterans attended, as did Baroness Thatcher, who was warmly welcomed by spectators, some of whom she shook hands with. The three Armed Services and Gosport Council were represented at the ceremony.
The Falklands were represented by Miss Sukey Cameron. Another guest was entertainer, Jim Davidson, who had shared an informal veterans reunion party at HMS Sultan, Gosport, the day before.
The service was conducted by the Rev Godfrey Hilliard, who was Chaplain to 40 Commando in 1982.
Doctors orders forbade Baroness Thatcher from speaking. So Sir Rex Hunt, Governor of the Falklands in 1982, gave the address, saying on her behalf: "Though we gather here today to mark their achievement, we do not need physical monuments - in our hearts we shall never forget them." ... "This memorial reminds us of those who fought heroically so that others might regain their freedom, and it also reminds us of those who sadly did not return." Sir Rex himself said: "Here in the Falkland Gardens, it is fitting to remember all the people in this country who made it possible to win a war waged 8,000 miles away."
Baroness Thatcher laid a single white rose to commemorate the fallen, as did several relatives who lost loved ones during the war. Local school children laid more flowers until there were 255 - one for each of the servicemen lost.
The Naval hymn, "Eternal Father Strong to Save" was sung as was "He Who Would Valiant Be" . The service ended with the National Anthem and was followed by a parade of veterans through Gosport, with Baroness Thatcher, the Mayor of Gosport and Captain Beveridge, Commander of HMS Sultan, taking the salute.
Although frail, Baroness Thatcher mingled with the veterans after the parade, chatting with them and being warmly welcomed by them. Peter Pepper - London
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