London: The Falkland Islands are marking 30 years since the end of the war with Argentina on Thursday with services at Port Stanley’s cathedral and Liberation Monument.
Britain liberated the UK territory from Argentine occupation on 14 June 1982.
David Cameron issued a message saying Britain’s support for the islands had “not wavered in the last 30 years and it will not in the years ahead”.
Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands and has taken out UK adverts urging negotiations on their future.
The liberation of the islands after 74 days of Argentine occupation will be marked with a service of thanksgiving at Christ Church Cathedral in the Falklands capital, Port Stanley.
Veterans of the 1982 war will then lead a military parade to the Liberation Monument for an act of remembrance.
The names of the 255 UK servicemen and three Falklands civilians who died in the war will be recited during the service. An estimated 650 Argentinians were also killed during the conflict.
After the playing of the Last Post, wreaths will be laid and there will be a Royal Salute.
In his statement, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said the anniversary was “an opportunity to remember all those who lost their lives in the conflict and to look forward to what the future holds for the Falklands”.
He paid tribute to the UK servicemen who “paid the ultimate price” and said it was time to express “a huge debt of gratitude” to those who recaptured the islands.
“Their bravery reminds us that freedom is only won, and peace is only kept, because there are exceptionally brave people willing to journey to the other side of the world to lay their lives on the line,” Mr Cameron said.
He said 10 generations of Falkland Islanders had strived to secure a prosperous future for their children and were succeeding “despite aggressive threats from over the water”.
The prime minister concluded: “Just as we have stood up for the Falkland Islanders in the past, so we will in the future.”
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne will attend the commemoration service in the Falklands. Mr Brown said the islanders were “enthusiastic” about their liberation in 1982 and proud of the achievements of the British armed forces.
“It is also a commemorative event and it’s a balance about people being pleased on the Falkland Islands about the outcome of the war but also a more sombre reflection on the sacrifice on both sides,” he said.
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