Today, on the 40th Anniversary of the end of the Falklands Conflict, local MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage, pays tribute to all those who fought in the war in which 255 British servicemen and three civilians lost their lives, with 777 injured.
Caroline’s constituency of Gosport has an extremely proud military history, and one that is deeply linked to the Falklands War. The Falklands Veterans Association, which provides support to veterans of the conflict and their relatives, is based in Gosport, and held the first national Falklands remembrance event in 1997. They also recently held a veterans march through Gosport. Caroline joined Derek (Smokey) Cole, who runs the Falklands Veterans Association at a special event In Parliament last week to mark the 40th anniversary of the conflict.
Nationally, there are a number of events commemorating this important anniversary. The Royal British Legion is hosting a commemorative event at National Memorial Aboretum which can be live streamed.
There have been a number of local events remembering the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, their families and the civilian communities who played their part in the Falklands War. On the 19th June in Portsmouth the unveiling a new memorial plaque by the Square Tower will take place, followed by a memorial service.
Commenting Caroline said:
“Gosport has such as deep-rooted military history, including to the Falklands War and its veterans. It’s important to remember this conflict fought 8000 miles away to liberate the Falkland Islands, and to honour the 255 who lost their lives and the many more who continue to bear the physical and mental scars.”