Liberation Day in Falkland Islands
Observed annually in the Falkland Islands on June 14th, Liberation Day commemorates the liberation of the islands from the Argentine military in 1982. If the 14th of June falls n a Sunday, then the celebration is moved that year to the 15th.
Falkland Islands (Public holiday)Because it’s a public holiday, it’s not only a day when schools and government buildings are closed, but is also a day when businesses close and the general public have the day off. Many of the commemorations of this day happen at Christ Church Cathedral, which is then followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and a military parade.
The History Of Liberation Day In The Falkland Islands
In 1690, English captain John Strong landed in the Falkland Islands and began exploring them. In 1764, some of the first settlements were established on the island when Port Louis was established by French captain Louis Antoine de Bougainville.
British captain John MacBride established Port Egmont on Saunders Island. The British would voluntarily withdraw from the islands in 1774 and Spain was left to govern the island. Colonel David Jewett raised Buenos Aires’s 1816 claim to Spain’s territories in the South Atlantic.
He did this in 1820, four years after the original claim. Buenos Aires tried to assert its influence over the islands, but British forces would assert their rule in 1833. The Confederation of Buenos Aires protested against the British forces, but their concerns were largely ignored.
This wouldn’t cause a major conflict for approximately 100 years when Argentina decided to push for their rights to the islands. Argentine military forces invaded the Falkland Islands on April 2nd, 1982. This was the beginning of the Falklands War.
The war would last two months and ended on June 14th, 1982 as Argentine forces surrendered and Great Britain claimed victory in the conflict. June 14th was then turned into Liberation Day to commemorate this event.
Observing Liberation Day In The Falkland Islands
Every year, islanders will gather at Christ Church Cathedral to commemorate this day with a thanksgiving service. This is then followed by wreath-laying ceremonies at Liberation Monument. There is also a military parade on this day.
Since this is a public holiday, it’s a day when schools, businesses, and government offices are closed and many people have the day off. This gives people a chance to spend time with friends and family members, either at public events or privately. Word about this holiday can be spread via the Internet using the hashtag #LiberationDayFalklandIslands.
Falkland Islands (Public holiday)
