MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islanders mark 43 years since Liberation from Argentine occupation

For the Falkland Islanders, Liberation Day remains a symbol of peace hard-won and of the enduring commitment to democratic governance under the UK flag. Photo: FIG

On a calm winter morning, the Falkland Islands commemorated the 43rd anniversary of their liberation from Argentine occupation in 1982, with ceremonies and community gatherings held in the capital, Stanley. This Monday is a national holiday in the archipelago, a date that corresponds to the shift from Saturday, June 14, when the community of the Islands together with the internal self-government, represented by the eight elected members of the Legislative Assembly commemorates and celebrates Liberation Day, “a solemn and proud moment in the history” of the Islands.

The day began with a thanksgiving service at Christ Church Cathedral, attended by Falkland Islands officials, members of the British Forces South Atlantic Islands, veterans, and youth groups. The service was followed by a solemn parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the Liberation Monument.

In an official statement, the Islands' highest political body said that “on June 14, 1982, British forces liberated our home after 74 days of illegal occupation, restoring freedom, peace, and the rule of law to the people of the Falkland Islands.

“Members of the public, government representatives, and veterans gathered to pay their respects,” said the Falkland Islands Government’s Communications Department in a public statement. The Governor, members of the Legislative Assembly, and the Commander of British Forces laid wreaths to honour the lives lost during the conflict and to reaffirm the Islands' right to self-determination.

”This day remains one of deep reflection and gratitude. We remember with immense respect and sorrow all those members of the British Task Force who made the ultimate sacrifice, all those wounded or impacted by their experiences, and all those whose courage and determination secured the future of our islands. We also remember those three people from the Falkland Islands who lost their lives during the war,“ they said.

The current president of the Legislative Assembly, MLA Gavin Short, said, ”Liberation Day is forever etched in our collective memory as the day we reclaimed our freedom. We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to all those who stood up in support of our right to live in peace, free from fear and oppression. Today, we honor their sacrifices by continuing to build a strong, just, and democratic society. We remember not only what we lost during the war but also all that we have gained in the decades since. We do so with pride and hope for the future.”

The commemorations continued with a civic reception hosted by the Falkland Islands Government at the Defence Force Club, followed by a community celebration at the Town Hall, organised by Falklands Radio.

Brig. C. Harme, Gov. Alison Blake CMG and Leona Roberts MLA during the ceremony. Photo: FIG

Described as both a “day of commemoration and celebration,” the anniversary is a poignant reminder of the 74-day conflict that ended with the surrender of Argentine forces on June 14, 1982. The war resulted in the deaths of 255 British and 649 Argentine personnel.

For the Falkland Islanders, Liberation Day remains a symbol of peace hard-won and of the enduring commitment to democratic governance under the UK flag.

This Monday, starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Hall, the Military Band of the Seventh Rifles Regiment (British Army) will give a concert. This is the same band that accompanied the parade on Saturday, June 14.