Remembrance Sunday, November 11, was celebrated in the Falkland Islands capital, Stanley with a service at Christ Church Cathedral, followed by a march to the Cross of Sacrifice, the Memorial to all those who laid down their lives for Britain in war, where a service of remembrance and thanksgiving was held in warm and sunny weather.
UK Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond signalled Thursday morning that members of the Territorial Army will be deployed to the Falkland Islands. Addressing the House of Commons Secretary Hammond said that reserve forces will be expected to fulfill new roles including contributing to standing commitments such as the Falklands.
The British government said that the military exercises scheduled to be carried out in the Falkland Islands beginning Monday are “annual and routine exercises.” The move had been strongly condemned by the Argentine government.
As the years pass, Veterans and Islanders alike who were caught up in the Falklands War, are getting older; many, regrettably are no longer with us. Age takes its toll, and sadly a number of potential guests declined due to failing health, reads the message from Lewis Clifton OBE, Chairman of the 2012 Committee.
The Falkland Islands held a commemorative service to the memory of those who lost their lives thirty years ago when British Forces landed in the Islands for the final push against the occupying Argentine forces.
The Falklands don’t need anything from any country, not even England, said Dick Sawle elected member of the Falklands Legislative Assembly, although admitting that the Islands do rely on the UK for protection.
Argentine Defence minister Arturo Puricelli described UK’s announcement to send state of the art and latest incorporation to the Royal Navy HMS Dauntless, and according to the London press a nuclear powered submersible, to the disputed Falklands/Malvinas Islands as “an unnecessary ostentation of fire power”
Flt Lt Wales has commenced his duties as an RAF Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter pilot in the Falkland Islands providing Search and Rescue cover for both the civilian and military population.
“There are certain people that we would just like to allow to get on with their job if that’s possible, and give them the opportunity to see as much of the Falklands as they possibly can” Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands Brigadier Bill Aldridge said this week when asked about the deployment of Prince William to the Falkland Islands as an RAF search-and-rescue pilot.
Argentina condemned the announcement of the arrival of state of the art HMS Dauntless, a British warship, to the Falklands/Malvinas Islands and urged the UK to “avoid falling in the temptation of engaging in discourse that transforms patriotism in bullying patriotism.”