MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Margaret Thatcher at anniversary events
The twentieth anniversary of the end of the Falklands War has been commemorated in the United Kingdom with a series of events which focused on gratitude to the armed forces and especially on the 255 British servicemen who died liberating the Islands.
Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was the central figure in the ceremonies. The Duke of York also took part as a former Royal Navy helicopter pilot who fought in the war. He was the principal guest at a service of remembrance at the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel at Pangbourne in Berkshire. The Falkland Families Association held their remembrance service in Saint Paul's Cathedral in London.
Baroness Thatcher, aged 76, frailer now after a stroke earlier this year, nevertheless demonstrated the kind of remarkable stamina and determination which earned her the nickname "the Iron Lady", and sustained her in the difficult life and death decisions she had to make in response to the 1982 Argentine invasion.
She attended several anniversary events within four days. Though forbidden by her doctors to make public speeches, she did speak briefly about the swift despatch of the Task Force to the South Atlantic, when she was guest of honour at a lunch on the Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth Two, used as a troopship in 1982.
The former Governor Sir Rex Hunt spoke on her behalf at a special service and parade at Gosport, on the South coast of England, overlooking the naval base from where many of the Task Force ships sailed. There she enjoyed speaking animatedly to many of the veterans of 1982 who had a weekend reunion and music concert. Baroness Thatcher laid a single white rose at the memorial in the Falklands Gardens, followed by local schoolchildren who laid 255 flowers, one for each of the British servicemen who killed in the war.
She wrote in the programme for the service: "This memorial reminds us of those who fought heroically so that others might regain their freedom, and also reminds us of those who sadly did not return. Though we gather here today to mark their achievements, we do not need physical monuments. In our hearts we shall never forget them".
The Royal Marines Band led a parade through the streets of Gosport, whose Mayor died of a heart attack after playing a prominent part in the ceremonies. Next day Baroness Thatcher was warmly welcomed at the annual Falklands Government reception (at Lincolns Inn Fields in London) along with several hundred Falklands supporters.
Islanders "forever grateful" to forces Tribute was paid to her by the Falkland Islands Government Representative, Miss Sukey Cameron, who said the Islanders maintain continued admiration for the courage and determination of those who took the decision to send the Task Force in 1982. The reception was honoured by Lady Thatcher's presence (applause). In her address, to several hundred Falklands' supporters, Miss Cameron strongly re-affirmed the Islanders' wish to remain British. She said the anniversary ceremonies in both the Falkland Islands and the United Kingdom recall "the sacrifices made by so many to restore our freedom". She declared: "We will remain forever grateful to those who fought for that freedom and those who made the ultimate sacrifice".
"Freedom hard won, easily lost" In an oblique reference to Argentina's persistent claim to sovereignty and British determination to resist, Miss Cameron said: "Freedom is hard won and easily lost. There are still those who would take it from us. With your help and support we will remain British, as we wish, and continue along the path of peace and progress". As a United Kingdom overseas territory, she said, the Falkland Islands' right to self-determination, security and citizenship are guaranteed.
In gratitude to the forces for protecting the right to self determination, she pointed out that the freedom of the Falklands had been bestowed on the armed forces by the Governor, Mr Donald Lamont, on June 14th, exactly 20 years after the Argentine surrender. Islanders look forward to thanking personally about 200 South Atlantic Medal Association veterans visiting the Islands in November.
Describing the great changes since 1982 in the development of education, social services, and the economy, she said young islanders, having attained qualifications, return to the Islands confident about the future.
Queen's good wishes Visitors remark about the Islanders vibrancy and self-confidence. "We face the future with confidence", she said, "ever mindful of those who gave us that future".
Sir Rex Hunt then read out a reply from the Queen, to a message of loyal greetings. "Please convey my warm thanks to Falkland Islanders and their friends attending the annual reception at Lincolns Inn for their kind and loyal message of greetings sent on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the liberation of the Islands. I much appreciate and warmly reciprocate their good wishes on this memorable occasion. Elizabeth R". At the Pangbourne Remembrance Service on Sunday, Prince Andrew read one f the lessons from the Bible, and the other lesson was read by Captain Michael Barrow, DSO, who commanded the warship HMS Glamorgan in 1982.
An address was given by the Reverend Angus Smith, chaplain to the Ist Battalion Scots Guards in 1982, and prayers were led by the Reverend David Cooper, former chaplain to the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment.
Prayers for Falklands War sufferers One prayer said: "We pray for all who suffer and continue to suffer through the Falkland Islands War". And the South Atlantic Medal Association's special prayer gave thanks for freedom, saying "We remember with gratitude and humility those of our number who paid that freedom's price". And the special Falklands' hymn commemorated "our lost brothers? who paid the price that is highest of all".
Among the congregation were several senior military personalities including the Task Force Commander, Admiral Sir John "Sandy" Woodward, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, who led Harrier raids on the Argentine forces in 1982. There were fly-pasts by Harrier aircraft at both Pangbourne and Gosport. The Duke placed a special stone on a memorial cairn beside the Chapel as part of "The Stone from Home" project, launched earlier this year when the first stone was sent from the Falkland Islands, on behalf of the Queen. The Duke toured the Chapel, reminiscing about his own experiences in 1982 as he looked at wall displays of newspaper reports of the war and the special memorial website listing details of the men who died.
A series of television and radio programmes and newspaper articles have marked the anniversary, recalling 1982, and describing the Falklands of today, which, Sukey Cameron says in a letter to the newspapers, are "self-governing, dynamic, and full of confidence". Her letter added: "The bravery of those who defended out shores will never be forgotten, and we hope that such terrible events and loss of life are never experienced again? The British Government has pledged its support and tells us sovereignty is not negotiable".
Harold Briley, London
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