The Falkland Islands Independence Day

 

The Falkland Islands Liberation Day is observed annually on June 14 in the Falkland Islands. The holiday commemorates the liberation of the Falkland Islands from the Argentine military occupation in 1982. On the day, islanders attend a thanksgiving service at Christ Church Cathedral, lay wreaths at the Liberation Memorial, and go to a military parade in Stanley.

The Invasion of the Falkland Islands – 1982 Falklands War

The prelude to the invasion of the Falklands revolved around the disputed sovereignty of the islands, which were claimed by Argentina, despite having British had residents there for many generations. The dispute reached the United Nations in 1965, where they called for the issue to be resolved.

The British were confident over their sovereignty of the islands however, they were willing to cede the territory to Argentina. The UK government considered the Falkland Islands a nuisance as they prevented trade with South America.

With diplomacy failing throughout the years, and due to the political instability of the Argentine military Junta, the act of Argentinian marines raising their flag on South Georgia Island was considered the first act of war on 19th March 1982.

On the 2nd of April, fearing British reinforcement of the island, the Argentine forces started their invasion of the Falkland Islands. Although taken by surprise, British prime minister Margaret Thatcher ordered a naval task force and declared a war zone for 320 km/200 miles around the islands.

Decisive military actions including Operation Black Buck, Battle of Goose and the Fall of Stanley ultimately led to the defeat and surrender of the invading Argentine forces on the 14th of June 1982. The undeclared war lasted 74 days and took the lives of over 900 people, including 3 civilians.