On 14th June The Royal British Legion Murcia Branch held a Falkland Commemoration to mark the 40th anniversary of the end of the conflict at the Memorial Garden on Camposol A, Murcia.
It was an emotional and humbling service, to see so many gathered to remember all the fallen, the veterans and the Falkland Islanders. We have so many to thank, with Mr Bill Coyle our presiding Padre, Mr Rob Arlington representing the Merchant Navy. Mr Bill Roberts represented the ESAMD España, Mr Dave Bioletti our Branch secretary a Falkland veteran who read with kind permission from Mr Steve Butterworth, a poem penned by his mother whilst Steve was onboard HMS Fearless during the Falkland conflict. He had found this after the loss of his mother earlier this year and gave us his permission to read it out at our service.
We thank Mr Roy Alderslade for the photographs, Green Fingers for the use of their generator, Graham from Misterprint for the orders of service and Mr David Haynes our new branch Standard Bearer who did an amazing job considering the heat.
Our wreath layers were, on behalf of The Royal British Legion Murcia Branch:
Mr Baz Hamilton BEM, former Royal Irish, JCU detached and RAMC.
Laying a wreath in Falkland Island Colours was Mr Brian Carribine, former Royal Navy and Falkland veteran himself.
Thank you to Mazarrón Town Hall for granting permission to hold the service and to the Cruz Roja, Civil Protection and FAST for attending.
Many thanks to Los Palacios group for the use of the Memorial Garden and Mr Bob Stocks for always taking care of our crosses and wreaths.
Most importantly we come to the people, families and veterans who attended the service, as this was to remember all the fallen of this conflict and the Islanders themselves.
We were all heartened to hear the letter sent from a Falkland Island resident who had heard we were holding a service and wanted to say thank you to all that had helped to secure their freedom. This was read out by Mr Brian Carribine.