MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands’ Liberation Day with religious service, parade and act of remembrance

To mark the 30th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Falkland Islands on 14th June 1982, a Service of Thanksgiving will be held in Christ Church Cathedral commencing at 10:00. Members of the public are asked to be seated by 09:45, according to a release from Gilbert House.

The Falkland Islands Governor Nigel Haywood and the Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands Brigadier Bill Aldridge, together with Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Jeremy Browne MP and other visiting dignitaries, Members of Legislative Assembly, representatives of the marching detachments, youth groups and 1982 Veterans will be in attendance. The Salamanca Band of Rifles will provide musical accompaniment throughout the service.

The Parade, consisting of detachments from the Royal Navy, the Parachute Regiment representing the Army, Royal Air Force, Falkland Islands Defence Force and Falkland Islands Defence Force Association, with musical accompaniment provided by the Salamanca Band of the Rifles, will march from the Cathedral to the Liberation Monument for the Act of Remembrance. The Royal British Legion, Royal Marines Association and FIDF Association banners will accompany the Parade, together with SAMA Veterans.

The Act of Remembrance at the Liberation Monument will commence at 11:00 immediately following the arrival of HE the Governor. On arrival, the official party will receive a Royal Salute. During the Act of Remembrance the names of all British service personnel and Falkland Islands civilians who died during the war will be read. Following the Last Post, Silence and Reveille, wreaths will be laid. The Act of Remembrance will conclude with a Royal Salute. Thereafter, the Parade will march west towards Government House, turn around and then march in an easterly direction, giving an eyes right at the 1982 Memorial.

British Forces will thereby exercise their accorded Freedom of the Falkland Islands, supported by the FIDF. The freedom march will end at the Jetty Centre and troops will move (by bus) to the FIDF Headquarters in preparation for the Public Reception at 12:30. Weather permitting; there will be a flypast during the freedom march.
Youth groups will be represented at the Liberation Monument, and many of the civilian population that gave direct assistance to the Task Force in 1982 will congregate in a group and a wreath will be laid on their behalf.
It is appropriate for medals and decorations to worn during this day.
If the weather is extremely inclement the reading of names and extended march past may be cancelled.

Besides Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Jeremy Browne, other dignitaries confirmed by Gilbert House, include
Minister Joe Bossano Minister for Enterprise, Training and Employment, Gibraltar accompanied by Aide Sara McFayden; Minister Keith Brown MSP and Ms Christina McKelvie Minister for Housing & Transport, Scottish Parliament; Richard Collas The Bailiff of Guernsey;
Lt Gen Sir James Dutton KCB CBE and Lady Dutton; President South Atlantic Medal Association; Murdo Fraser MSP and Mrs Emma Fraser Member of the Scottish Parliament; Kerry McCarthy MP Shadow Foreign Office Minister; David Melding AM Deputy Presiding Officer, Welsh Assembly accompanied by Aide Joel Steed; Senator Paul Routier MBE Assistant Chief Minister Jersey; Neil Hopkins and Mrs Judy Hopkins Principal Peter Symonds College and Sarah Stannard Vice Principal Chichester College.