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Services mark Falklands conflict Services mark Falklands conflict
(about 2 hours later)
Commemorations are taking place to mark the 25th anniversary of the liberation of the Falklands by UK armed forces.Commemorations are taking place to mark the 25th anniversary of the liberation of the Falklands by UK armed forces.
The Queen, Tony Blair and Baroness Thatcher have joined veterans for a remembrance service in the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel in Berkshire.The Queen, Tony Blair and Baroness Thatcher have joined veterans for a remembrance service in the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel in Berkshire.
A service at Stanley Cathedral will be among events taking place on the south Atlantic islands. A service at Stanley Cathedral is among events taking place on the south Atlantic islands.
The Falklands were liberated on 14 June 1982, two and half months after the UK territory was invaded by Argentina.The Falklands were liberated on 14 June 1982, two and half months after the UK territory was invaded by Argentina.
'Endurance''Endurance'
Twenty five years ago Argentine troops laid down their weapons after weeks of fighting. Some 255 British servicemen, more than 650 Argentines and three islanders were killed in the 74-day conflict.
A total of 255 British servicemen, more than 650 Argentines and three islanders were killed in the 74-day conflict.
BBC correspondent Jack Izzard in Argentina said he expected a few veterans to lay wreaths but there would would be no major commemorations.BBC correspondent Jack Izzard in Argentina said he expected a few veterans to lay wreaths but there would would be no major commemorations.
I'm filled with sadness for the boys who never came home Steve Kettless, veteran Prince in Falklands ceremony class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=6616&edition=1&ttl=20070614110616">Send us your comments I'm filled with sadness for the boys who never came home Steve Kettless, veteran Prince in Falklands ceremony
People felt shame that the war was lost but agreed with the policy of the current president that the islands should be returned to Argentina, through diplomatic rather than aggressive means, he said.People felt shame that the war was lost but agreed with the policy of the current president that the islands should be returned to Argentina, through diplomatic rather than aggressive means, he said.
Prior to the service at Pangbourne College, near Reading, a flypast of four Joint Force Harriers - representing the Harrier squadrons from the time - saluted the Queen.Prior to the service at Pangbourne College, near Reading, a flypast of four Joint Force Harriers - representing the Harrier squadrons from the time - saluted the Queen.
As the Queen arrived Steve Kettless, 50, of Aldershot, Hampshire - who fought with 2 Parachute Regiment at Goose Green - said: "I'm filled with sadness for the boys who never came home."As the Queen arrived Steve Kettless, 50, of Aldershot, Hampshire - who fought with 2 Parachute Regiment at Goose Green - said: "I'm filled with sadness for the boys who never came home."
The service of thanksgiving focused on those who lost their lives in the conflict, and was attended by their families, children and friends.The service of thanksgiving focused on those who lost their lives in the conflict, and was attended by their families, children and friends.
Mark Coreth, 48, a troop leader with 4 Troop, B Squadron, Blues and Royals, said there was "sadness but huge feelings of pride" about the campaign. The widow of Colonel "H" Jones, commanding officer of 2 Para who was killed in the battle of Goose Green and posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery, gave a reading from the gospel of Peter.
Mr Coreth, now a sculptor, has created a memorial work featuring three flying black brow albatross birds outside the chapel. My memories of the Falklands War are that, just for once, this country stood up to be counted Paul, Abingdon class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=6616&edition=1&ttl=20070614110616">Send your comments
The traditional act of remembrance was led by Rear Admiral Jeremy Sanders CB OBE, who served in the Falklands, which included the words: "They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old."
Two buglers from the band of HM Royal Marines then played the Last Post.
Speaking before the service Mark Coreth, 48, a former Blues and Royals troop leader turned sculptor, has created a memorial work featuring three flying black brow albatross birds outside the chapel.
He said he chose the albatross while in the Falklands last year because he believed the bird represented "the courage, endurance and fragility of the campaign but also the islands' past, present and future".He said he chose the albatross while in the Falklands last year because he believed the bird represented "the courage, endurance and fragility of the campaign but also the islands' past, present and future".
'Huge achievement' Memorial cairn
James Hailwood, 25, from Chepstow, was six months old when he lost his father Christopher on the ship Sir Galahad.James Hailwood, 25, from Chepstow, was six months old when he lost his father Christopher on the ship Sir Galahad.
"We must remember those who knew them - I never knew my dad - because it's more difficult for them," he said."We must remember those who knew them - I never knew my dad - because it's more difficult for them," he said.
Defence Secretary Des Browne also attended the service.Defence Secretary Des Browne also attended the service.
Earlier he said the liberation of the islands had been a "huge achievement" for forces that had been operating in harsh conditions.Earlier he said the liberation of the islands had been a "huge achievement" for forces that had been operating in harsh conditions.
After the commemoration, the Queen placed a final stone from one of the battle sites on top of 254 other such stones, to form a memorial cairn. The Queen attended a garden party with the congregation
After the commemoration, the Queen placed a final stone from the Falklands - which was blessed during the service - on top of 254 other such stones, to form a memorial cairn.
It follows a Scottish tradition commemorating those who did not return from battle.It follows a Scottish tradition commemorating those who did not return from battle.
HMS Ark Royal sailed up the Thames ahead of the anniversary
In the Falklands, a special message from the Queen will be broadcast to the islanders by Governor Alan Huckle on radio.In the Falklands, a special message from the Queen will be broadcast to the islanders by Governor Alan Huckle on radio.
Following the service in Stanley, Falkland Islanders will be joined by Prince Edward as they commemorate the anniversary at the town's Liberation Monument. Following the church service, Falkland Islanders will be joined by Prince Edward as they commemorate the anniversary at Stanley's Liberation Monument.
Events are taking place across the UK to mark the anniversary.Events are taking place across the UK to mark the anniversary.
In Scotland service personnel will lay a wreath at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh before attending a special service at St Giles Cathedral.In Scotland service personnel will lay a wreath at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh before attending a special service at St Giles Cathedral.
HMS Exeter, which was involved in the conflict, will also be docked in the Scottish capital.
On Wednesday Baroness Thatcher issued a rallying call to British troops in war zones in a special message to mark the anniversary.On Wednesday Baroness Thatcher issued a rallying call to British troops in war zones in a special message to mark the anniversary.
As prime minister she took the decision to send a naval task force 8,000 miles (12,875 km) to the south Atlantic, to reclaim the islands after the Argentines invaded.As prime minister she took the decision to send a naval task force 8,000 miles (12,875 km) to the south Atlantic, to reclaim the islands after the Argentines invaded.
In a broadcast via the British Forces Broadcasting Service, she said in "the struggle against evil... we can all today draw hope and strength" from the Falklands victory."