A service to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War is being held in Havant borough.
A parade will march through Havant Town Centre before wreaths are laid as part of the service to commemorate the liberation of the Island by British forces in 1982.
The event will take place at 3pm on Sunday 19 June and has been organised by Havant Borough Council in collaboration with the Havant branch of The Royal British Legion (RBL) and Alan Mak MP.
Leading the parade through West Street to the War Memorial at St Faith’s Church, Havant will be The Rose and Thistle Pipes and Drums.
A short outdoor service and wreath laying, led by the Mayor of Havant and a Deputy Lieutenant from Hampshire, will take place before Rev Canon Tim Schofield leads the procession inside the church for a service attended by representatives from the armed forces, past and present along with other civic dignitaries. As part of our commemorations, readings will be given by Alan Mak MP, and The Honourable Roger Spink MLA, Member of the Legislative Assembly.
Argentine forces invaded the Falkland Islands on April 2, 1982, sparking three months of fighting, which cost the lives of hundreds of British and Argentinian servicemen. The Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Parachute Regiment and the Special Boat Service played a key role in recapturing the South Atlantic islands – 7,000 miles south of the UK, with the war coming to an end on June 14 1982.
Mayor of Havant, Councillor Diana Patrick, said: “My thoughts will be with all who lost their lives, along with those injured and the families affected.
“I remember the Falklands conflict vividly. I recall watching as our forces came home having liberated the islands - grateful for those who had made it home safely but sadness for those who had lost their lives as a result of this conflict."
“I am sure there will be many people in our borough who will want to be there on Sunday 19 June to stand alongside ex-service men and women to mark this 40th anniversary in a very dignified way.”
“I hope you are able to attend to reflect and remember what occurred 40 years ago, over 8,000 miles from here.”
Member of Parliament for the Havant Constituency, Alan Mak MP, said: “Having visited the Falklands to pay tribute to British servicemen and women involved in the Liberation, I welcome the opportunity to honour their service and sacrifice in Havant through our Parade and wreath laying. I hope local residents will support this important event given the significant role our area played in the Liberation.”
As part of the service to commemorate the liberation of the Falkland Islands a reception for veterans and invited guests will follow.
The parade will gather from 2.40pm at the Royal British Legion Ex Servicemen’s Club, Brockhampton Lane, Havant. The RBL are inviting residents to join the commemorations on the day, by lining the parade route along West Street.
If you are attending on the day - please tag the Mayor of Havant and share your photos and videos.