MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands 30th anniversary will focus on remembering the 1982 legacy of sacrifice

MLA Halford: “to rejoice in our liberation and new found land of opportunity, progress and development”

A Foreign and Commonwealth Minister a front bench spokesperson from the Labour Party and a representative from the Conservative Party will be among VIP guests at the June Falkland Islands 30th commemorations.

Member of Legislative Assembly Sharon Halford confirmed at a public meeting that, “details are coming together for a number of official visitors and guests to attend the Falklands during 11-15 June.”

Not all guests are yet confirmed however amongst those expected is General Jim Dutton RM representing SAMA (82) and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gibraltar. Spouses will accompany the VIP guests.

“Guests arrive on 11 June ex RAF Brize Norton air-bridge. The overall visitor program intention is to ensure that visitors meet as wide a range and cross section of the community as is possible, and to this end, they will visit San Carlos for a short remembrance service on 12 June prior to travelling to Fox Bay to meet West Falkland residents” said MLA Halford.

There will be slight changes to the timing and format of the June 14 Thanksgiving and Remembrance services in Stanley, compared to previous years. The public reception will be held in the FIDF Halls starting at 1pm.

MLA Halford said the intention is to create a family day for residents in the FIDF Halls commencing with the reception and ending midnight. A webcam will cover events at the Liberation Monument.

On June 13 visitors will receive governmental and other briefings, following on from a visit to a selected wildlife location. The MLAs will host the visitors at a pre Liberation Dinner at Bluff Cove.

The visitors will attend the civic reception and a buffet supper, extended by the local representatives of the RBL on June 14 at which it is hoped a good number of 1982 veterans and 1982 mountain volunteers will be able to attend, said MLA Halford.

“The focus throughout 2012 is about remembering the legacy of sacrifice of 1982 while being able to rejoice in our liberation and new found land of opportunity, progress and development. A central theme has been to involve the youth and the younger generation who are now responsible for leading and promoting the longer-term Falklands development. Guests will have an opportunity to meet with a wide cross section of our younger people, and to learn first-hand of their achievements and aspirations.”

The band of The Salamanca Band of the Rifles (TA Band), which includes many Falklands' veterans will visit from June 11-18 and will participate in parades and activities in Stanley and Fox Bay, as well as a special interdenominational “Songs of Praise” in the Cathedral on Sunday June 17.

RMA, FIDF and RNA veterans will parade on June 14, in addition to a number of SAMA and Parachute Regiment visiting veterans. Following the Liberation Monument Service, HM Armed Forces will exercise their 'Freedom of the Falklands' along Ross Road from Government House to the Jetty Centre.

In November, and to coincide with Remembrance Sunday, over 100 veterans are expected to visit on a 30th anniversary pilgrimage; these will include those who have not visited previously, together with some other official guests and the Veteran's Minister. (Penguin News)