FIA’s INAUGURAL LIBERATION DAY EVENT
The Falkland Islands Association held a reception at the RAF Club, London, to celebrate the Liberation of the Falkland Islands on the 14th of June 1982 and to remember and thank those who served and the 258 lives lost for this Liberation. Thank you to the 60 members and partners who attended traveling from as far as Devon and North Yorkshire. We were privileged to have 3 of our Vice Presidents attending, General Sir Michael Rose KCB CBE DSO QGM, The Hon Lucinda Catherine “Cindy” Buxton FRGS and Mr David Tatham CMG, also attending was Richard Hyslop, the Falkland Islands Government’s Representative.
The reception started with a fly pass from the Red Arrows – the King thought that it was for him with the reception being held on the same day as the Trooping of The Colours and King’s Birthday Parade! At 2pm the doors opened and tea and coffee were available. However as anticipated, they were quickly bypassed for cold drinks at the Bar, wine, beer and gin!
Our Chair welcomed everyone to the reception, explaining that in years past the Falkland Islands Government had held a reception on or near the 14th of June annually; however, this had ceased, and a much smaller function now takes place in the Houses of Parliament. For that reason and to enable our members to meet with each other outside of our AGM we hope to make this reception an annual event.
After Russell’s welcome he recited The Ode of Remembrance which was followed by the last post, a 2-minute silence and Revelli all timed to coincide with the same happening at the Liberation Memorial in Stanley. Richard Hyslop then addressed the audience giving us an excellent insight into the progress the Falkland Islanders have made since their liberation and how the people of the Falkland Islands will be eternally grateful for the sacrifices made for their freedom and their right to self-determination.
Throughout the reception a continuous slide show of the Falkland Islands was taking place and everyone who contributed photographs is thanked; it brought back many happy memories and ignited some serious discussions.
At 5pm the bar closed and our members departed, we hope, with happy memories of the afternoon. Next year, the reception will take place at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, Doncaster on Sunday 14th of June 2026. Details will be sent to our members with the April 2026 newsletter and we look forward to seeing you then.
