Plans are underway in Carlisle to mark the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands conflict.
The Falklands War began on April 2 1982 when Argentine Armed Forces, then under the leadership of President Galtieri, invaded the Falkland Islands, a UK Overseas Territory.
In response, the UK Government sent a task force to recover the Islands and to restore UK sovereignty.
While the conflict itself lasted only 74 days, ending on June 14 1982, 255 UK armed forces personnel and 649 Argentine Armed Forces personnel were killed, plus the deaths of three Falkland Islanders and a further 2,432 personnel injured. Today, the Falkland Islands remain an internally self-governing UK Overseas Territory.
On Saturday, May 14 this year, to mark the anniversary, plans include a parade through the city and a service at St Cuthbert’s Church with a reception at Tithe Barn.
Carlisle is home to more than 20 Falklands veterans, with many more throughout Cumbria.
The event is being organised by a group of people which includes Carlisle resident and author Rachel Simons who grew up in Stanley during the Falklands conflict, Carlisle Falkland’s veteran Howard Foster, and Canon Jim Hyslop of St Cuthbert’s Church, whose son Richard was appointed the Falkland Island’s government representative to the UK in 2019.
This group is being supported by local Carlisle MP John Stevenson.
Mr Stevenson said: “I am delighted that plans are in place for Carlisle to host a significant event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands conflict.
“It is important that we remember the bravery of the 33,000 British Troops who travelled to the Falklands to re-establish peace and freedom and the ultimate sacrifice of those that fell. I would like to encourage residents in Carlisle and the surrounding area to join us on the day and support this event.”
Rachel added: “ As a Falkland Islander who experienced the conflict first hand, I am forever grateful for the day the guns finally fell silent and our precious home was liberated.”
Howard, a forward observation officer with the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment during the conflict, said: “It is important that 40 years on we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Canon Hyslop added: “The service is to commemorate and celebrate the liberation of the Falklands as well as remembering with thanks those who lost their lives to gain this peace.
“The preacher at the service will be Rev David Cooper who was chaplain to II Para during the conflict and was commended for his bravery.”
