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1982 APRIL - JUNE

IN HONOUR OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC TASK FORCE AND TO THE ABIDING MEMORY OF THE SAILORS, SOLDIERS AND AIRMEN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND WHO HAVE NO GRAVE BUT THE SEA.

HERE BESIDE THE GRAVES OF THEIR COMRADES THIS MEMORIAL RECORDS THEIR NAMES

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GIVE GLORY UNTO THE LORD AND DECLARE HIS PRAISE IN THE ISLANDS

I served in the Royal Navy in the Falklands War - a war which lasted just 74 days - each one of them crammed with action which cost the lives of many men on both sides of the conflict. 

It really doesn't seem like 25 years when I talk to my service friends about the Falklands war and the part we played in it. I believe it was worth it; the islands and Islanders have their way of life preserved and have made great efforts since 1982 to become self sufficient. They have wonderful education and health systems and an idyllic lifestyle.

I returned in 2002 with SAMA 82 and found the Islands breathtaking; the wildlife and scenery were stunning, but 25years ago our lives were very different and we faced danger every day. The war changed all of us in varying ways and degrees. I don't think a day has gone by since June 1982 that I haven't thought about the Islands  and the men and women who didn't return home with us.

Martin Dunkin 2007

MEMORIAL EVENTS BEING HELD IN THE UK IN 2007 TO MARK

THE 25th ANNIVERSARY OF THE OUTBREAK OF THE FALKLANDS CONFLICT

Sat/Sun 2/3rd June: Bands and beer tents on Saturday to meet up with old pals and a service and march through Gosport on Sunday. 

Sunday 10 June: Parade of standards at the R.N Falklands war memorial, Old Portsmouth.

Sunday 10 June: Drumhead service  at Aldershot.

Thursday 14 June: Service of thanksgiving and rededication, The Falkland Island memorial chapel, Pangbourne College, Pangborne, Reading, Berks.  

Friday 15 June: Wreath laying and sunset ceremony at the Merchant Navy Falkland War memorial, Trinity gardens, Tower Hill, London.  

Sunday 17 June: The National Commemorative event on Horsegaurds Parade, London @ 1400, including a live link up with the Falkland Islands, a march and fly past. Being broadcast live by the BBC.

Many more events are taking place elsewhere in the country - look out for notices of them in the local press or visit the following websites:

www.falklands25.com

www.sama82.org/2007/index.htm

www.fvf.org.uk/events2007.html