When is Liberation Day?
Liberation Day is a public holiday in the Falkland Islands on June 14th. The day marks the end of the Falklands War in 1982 and remembers those who gave so much during the conflict.
History of Liberation Day
On April 2nd 1982, Argentina invaded and occupied the Falkland Islands. Argentina asserted that the islands are Argentine territory.
Three days later, the British government dispatched a naval task force to engage the Argentine Navy and Air Force before making an amphibious assault on the islands.
The conflict lasted just over ten weeks and ended with an Argentine surrender on June 14th, returning the islands to British control.
In total, 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British military personnel, and three Falkland Islanders died during the hostilities.
How is Liberation Day Celebrated?
Islanders gather at Christ Church Cathedral to mark the occasion with a thanksgiving service, followed by wreath laying at the Liberation Monument and a military parade.
