Carlisle is set to mark the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands Conflict with a day full of commemoration and reflection, falling on May 14.
Outside the Old Town Hall from 12:30pm, in Carlisle's Greenmarket, will see the raising of a Falklands flag by Mark Gibbs from Maryport, a former Royal Marine, and member of Naval Party 8901 - who was part of the party that raised the Falklands flag in Port Stanley, following the official end of conflict forty years ago.
Shortly after the flag raising, around 90 Falkland veterans will march in solidarity with Carlisle Army Cadet Force from Carlisle Cathedral to the Cenotaph by the Old Town Hall in the city centre to a wreath laying ceremony and remembrance service.
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The parade will be led by Pipe Major Steven Duffy, veteran of the Scots Guards who saw active service in the Falklands conflict.
Carlisle is home to more than 20 Falkland’s Veterans, with the city being encouraged to come in their masses and show their support.
The event is being organised from a collaborative effort which includes Carlisle Falkland’s Veteran Howard Foster and Canon Jim Hyslop of St. Cuthbert’s Church, whose son Richard Hyslop was appointed the Falkland Island’s Government Representative to the UK in 2019 - with the group being supported by Carlisle MP John Stevenson.
"I am delighted that plans are in place for Carlisle to host a significant event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands conflict.
"It is important that we remember the bravery of the 33,000 British Troops who travelled to the Falklands to re-establish peace and freedom and the ultimate sacrifice of those that fell. I would like to encourage residents in Carlisle and the surrounding area to join us on the day and support this event," John Stevenson MP said.
Richard Hyslop, the Falkland Island’s Government Representative to the UK said: "I am delighted that Carlisle has chosen to mark the 40th anniversary with a series of events, and I am looking forward to attending them all.
"It will be a particular honour to present the Mayor and Member of Parliament for Carlisle with a Falkland Islands flag, from the people and government of the Islands.
"It will be wonderful to see it flying in Carlisle as part of these celebrations, as a symbol of the strong link between the Falkland Islands and the UK," he said.
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