Twenty-fifth anniversary of Falklands conflict to be commemorated

The 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict will be commemorated across 8,000 miles and four time zones in London, Pangbourne and the Falkland Islands from June 14 to 17 2007, the government has announced.

Official events will begin on Liberation Day, June 14, at the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel in the grounds of Pangbourne 'nautical' College Berkshire. The service is held annually on behalf of the Falklands Families Association, but next year's event will be attended by senior members of the Royal family and will be screened live on the BBC.

Later that day - UK time - will turn to the Falkland Islands and the first of a series of live link-ups with the islands. An Act of Commemoration at the Falklands War Memorial will follow a service at Christchurch Cathedral, Stanley. British forces currently based on the islands will parade through Stanley exercising the Freedom of the City that was bestowed on them by the Falklands Islands government in 2002.

Events in the Falkland Islands will include a band of the Royal Marines and HM ships deployed in the area will provide a backdrop.

The main UK event will be a commemoration on Horse Guards Parade, London, followed by a march past of veterans and their modern day service counterparts up to The Mall to Buckingham Palace to witness a fly past of aircraft from the Falklands era as well as some of those flown by the same squadrons today.

Senior members of the Royal Family will attend each of the commemorative events, which will all be covered live by the BBC.

Up to 15,000 tickets for the event in Horse Guards will be made available, so that as many of the campaign's veterans will be able to attend. Priority for the tickets will be given to holders of the South Atlantic Medal (1982) and war widows, followed by other widows and families and other civilians and military personnel associated with the conflict.

Speaking at the launch of the commemorations on HMS Illustrious, Veterans' Minister Derek Twigg said: "The Falklands campaign was one of the most memorable events in post-war British history. The liberation of the islands was a huge achievement by our forces, operating in harsh conditions 8,000 miles away from home.

"The commemorations next year will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the events of 25 years ago. We will take time to remember those who gave their lives to defend the freedom of the Falkland Islands.

"As well as the principal events in London, Pangbourne and Stanley, we anticipate that local communities and veterans groups around the country will organise smaller scale events."

(KMcA)