Diocese of Portsmouth

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    Poignant service to recall Falklands

    Category
    General
    Date
    6 May 2012
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    IT was a poignant day as veterans of the Falklands conflict remembered friends they had lost – 30 years on.

    Veterans marched along High Street to the Falklands Memorial in Old Portsmouth

     

    Hundreds of veterans, their families, serving military personnel and civic dignitaries packed our cathedral for the service to mark the 30th anniversary of the conflict. 

    It was preceded by a civic procession led by the Royal Marines Band, and concluded with a march to the Falklands Memorial in Old Portsmouth where wreaths were laid.

    And for many veterans it was a chance to remember those they had fought alongside to liberate the Falklands Islands during the 74-day conflict in 1982. Many wore their war medals with pride as they marched along the High Street.

    Canon Roger Devonshire, who was chaplain on HMS Hermes during the conflict, preached the sermon during the cathedral service. He paid tribute to BBC reporter Brian Hanrahan, who was also on board and died 18 months ago.

    He also recalled how he, along with those who fought in the Falklands, didn’t quite know how to say goodbye to loved ones.

    “I remember trying to find words to say to my wife that did not sound over-dramatic as I said goodbye,” he said. “We had not had time to think about the possibility that I might not come home, though on that morning it was certainly at the back of my mind. Many did not have the opportunity to see their families before heading for the Falklands and none of us knew what lay ahead. 

    “War is a very private thing and each person would come back with memories and experiences that were uniquely their own. 

    “Several people found that being in action made them reflect on the things that really mattered to them. They saw more clearly the value of life itself and of family and friends. 

     

    “One man who had always seen himself as a good family man realised that the time he had supposedly spent with the family had in fact been spent working in his shed or under the car. He said he hoped he would remember that when he got home. Being in Action helps you to sort out your priorities and values; to see the things that matter. 

    “Today, thirty years on, we commemorate what was a significant moment in our nation’s history. We hold in remembrance those who lost their lives, and all whose lives are scarred by the memories they bear, or by the loss of those they hold dear.”

    The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth read a passage from Philippians during the cathedral service, while Vice Admiral Philip Jones, Deputy Fleet Commander, read from John’s gospel. 

    Prayers were led by a Falklands Islander, a representative of the Royal Marines and a member of the Cathedral Chapter. The Falklands hymn and the National Anthem were also sung.

    After the procession to the Falklands Memorial, the Rev Richard Buckley, chaplain to the South Atlantic Medal Association 82, led the SAMA prayer, and the wreath-laying was led by the Lord Lieutenant.