Falklands readies opening of veteran's Liberty Lodge

Friday, January 16th 2009 - 20:00 UTC

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THE Falkland Islands community is pulling together to keep on schedule the opening of a lodge for visiting British '82 war veterans.

The SAMA ('82) lodge primarily sponsored by the Royal British Legion will be officially opened on February 3, confirmed Manager Anya Cofre today. "Builder Ian Stewart is working hard to finish the painting and the Liberty Lodge sign created by the Royal Engineers will be delivered on Tuesday," said Islander Anya. "After the carpets are down the containers of furniture will be delivered and members of the Falkland Islands Defence Force will unload them and then I aim to call upon the services of lots of local ladies to help me sort out the furniture in the house." "The list of people who have supported the lodge really is endless and includes local businesses and individuals and many British forces charities. Veterans of the conflict will be forever indebted to those generous people and organisations." On opening day more than 40 guests will assemble at the lodge on Rowlands Rise in Stanley for a service of dedication by the Reverend Richard Hines and an opening and naming ceremony by the Commander British Forces Falkland Islands Air Commodore Gordon Moulds MBE. The Union and Falkland Islands flags will then be raised and guests will have a tour of the facilities. The idea for the lodge was initiated five years ago by Derek Cole of the Falklands Veteran's Foundation. The Falkland Islands Government then leased the land on a fifty year lease (at a minimal cost) in order for money to be raised to build a place of residence for visiting veterans and families of those who lost their lives in the war. The lodge can also be used by armed forces serving in the South Atlantic for the purpose of family visits, when it is not in use by veterans and families. By Lisa Johnson - SeAledPR - Stanley

Categories: Politics, Mercosur.

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