40th anniversary of the Falklands War
Published: 15 June 2022
Veterans, dignitaries and public service representatives gathered in St Thomas' Square at 11am to observe a two-minute silence with bugler, Daryll Pitcher, sounding the Last Post.
It was followed by a poignant memorial service, led by Brigadier Maurice Sheen with words of reflection by Councillor Ian Dore, Armed Forces Champion, and the reciting of the Tony McNally poem, 'Annabelle', by Isle of Wight Council leader, Councillor Lora Peacey Wilcox.
Wreaths were laid by Brigadier Sheen, vice Lord-Lieutenant, Councillor Claire Critchison, Isle of Wight Council chairman, Cdr (retired) David Hilton MBE, Kay Marriott, High Sheriff and Councillor Dore.
A wreath was also laid by Derek and Jill Atkinson whose son fought in the conflict.
Councillor Dore, himself a former soldier, said: “Today we came together and saluted the heroism of those from the Isle of Wight, and all other British Forces, who served in the Falklands War. Many from our Island made huge sacrifices and we must never forget the vital roles played by them and their families.
"We are forever in their debt for what they gave in the name of Queen and Country, but also what they gave the residents and future generations of the Falkland Islands. A safe and secure environment, in which to live.”
Councillor Peacey Wilcox added: "It's so important that we mark the anniversary so we can continue to educate future generations, thank many for their service and honour those who bravely gave their lives."
Following the service, the council reconfirmed its commitment to supporting service personnel, veterans, war widows and their families with the re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The covenant is a pledge that organisations make to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities and society they served with their lives.
The document was signed by Councillor Peacey Wilcox and Cdre Mel Robinson CBE ADC RNR, Commander of the Maritime Reserves.
It was followed by a poignant memorial service, led by Brigadier Maurice Sheen with words of reflection by Councillor Ian Dore, Armed Forces Champion, and the reciting of the Tony McNally poem, 'Annabelle', by Isle of Wight Council leader, Councillor Lora Peacey Wilcox.
Wreaths were laid by Brigadier Sheen, vice Lord-Lieutenant, Councillor Claire Critchison, Isle of Wight Council chairman, Cdr (retired) David Hilton MBE, Kay Marriott, High Sheriff and Councillor Dore.
A wreath was also laid by Derek and Jill Atkinson whose son fought in the conflict.
Councillor Dore, himself a former soldier, said: “Today we came together and saluted the heroism of those from the Isle of Wight, and all other British Forces, who served in the Falklands War. Many from our Island made huge sacrifices and we must never forget the vital roles played by them and their families.
"We are forever in their debt for what they gave in the name of Queen and Country, but also what they gave the residents and future generations of the Falkland Islands. A safe and secure environment, in which to live.”
Councillor Peacey Wilcox added: "It's so important that we mark the anniversary so we can continue to educate future generations, thank many for their service and honour those who bravely gave their lives."
Following the service, the council reconfirmed its commitment to supporting service personnel, veterans, war widows and their families with the re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The covenant is a pledge that organisations make to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities and society they served with their lives.
The document was signed by Councillor Peacey Wilcox and Cdre Mel Robinson CBE ADC RNR, Commander of the Maritime Reserves.
