MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Queen's Birthday Parade goes off without a bang
As befits a British territory, the birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, is celebrated each year in the Falkland Islands with a public holiday and a parade.
This year, the occasion of the monarch's 80th birthday, was no exception. At 10.30, His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Howard Pearce, C.V.O, arrived at Victory Green, on Ross Road to inspect the assembled ranks of the Falkland Islands Defence Force and other contingents of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Airforce, from the military base at Mount Pleasant.
Also present were Falkland Islands Legislative Council members and senior military officers, including the Commander of British Forces, South Atlantic, Commodore Ian Moncrieff. Despite the rather cold and drizzly weather, the event also drew a large number of spectators.
Resplendent in his 19th century admiral's uniform, topped off by the familiar white plumed helmet, the Governor led the Royal Salute as the Queen's standard was raised. Later he took the salute as the parade marched smartly past the dais. Today, unusually, there was no military band to keep them in step.
The absence of a band was not the only change to make this event quieter than usual. This year the two saluting cannons normally used on such occasions remained shrouded and silent and the traditional twenty-one gun salute was replaced by volleys of rifle fire.
According to Falkland Islands Defence Force Commander, Major Peter Biggs, as reported in this week's Penguin News, the British celebrations of the anniversary of Nelson's naval victory at Trafalgar had led to a shortage of the blank ammunition normally used and the Ministry of Defence suppliers were unable to re-supply the Falkland Islands Defence Force in time for this year's parade.
John Fowler (Mercopress) Stanley
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesCommenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!