MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

SAMA82 works on 25th commemorations.

THE Chairman of the South Atlantic Medal Association says he has “taken a modicum of comfort” from a Defence minister's comments in Parliament about commemorations planned for the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War.

Martin Reed wrote to the Minister for the Armed Forces, Adam Ingram, in March this year regarding 2007.

He received a reply from the Personal Secretary of Ivor Caplin, Minister for Veterans, who confirmed that, "..."the Government will be considering sponsoring a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the end of the conflict in the UK.

"At this stage (April 6) options centering on a parade and service in London are being considered by the Armed Forces."

Mr Reed also spoke to John Sinfield, Chairman of the Ministry of Defence Committee on Commemorations, who said that he had put in a bid for money for the commemoration but that he had not yet received a reply.

Mr Reed said Mr Sinfield also said that they were presently only considering a sponsored event in the UK, however with the Heroes' Return programme operating for the end of WWII, there could be a, "...new range of possibilities for the Islands."

More specifically, Mr Reed says no one has discussed arrangements for the families of those who died, "...so I will write again to see what is in the Ministerial mind."

In the meantime, he said he takes "a modicum of comfort" from Ivor Caplin's final sentiments in parliament last week (as reported by Penguin News.) "So funding would appear to be available, but details of what is envisaged are not yet on the table." (PN)