COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE

25th Anniversary of Liberation
Lest We Forget

Issue Date: 25th May 2007







The unprovoked invasion of the Falkland Islands by Argentine forces on 2nd April 1982 led, inevitably, to the Falklands War. In the words of Margaret Thatcher "There was no doubt in my mind that, if the invasion went ahead, it must be reversed. These were our people. So often in politics the question is what should we do? This time it was simpler; how could it be done?"

How indeed? With the Falkland Islands situated 8,000 miles away in the South Atlantic, the successful liberation of the Islands was by no means a certainty.

To the surprise of the Argentines the British Government, with the overwhelming support of the British people made immediate preparations to reclaim the Islands. By 5th April the Task Force was assembling and heading south towards Ascension Island. Over 100 ships and 27,000 personnel were mobilised while efforts for a peaceful resolution looked increasingly doubtful.

By 14th June the Falkland Islands had been liberated and Major General Jeremy Moore, Commander of the British land forces sent a message to London stating "The Falkland Islands once more are under the government desired by their inhabitants - God Save the Queen."

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher summed up the conflict to Parliament, saying "The battle of the Falklands was a remarkable military operation, boldly planned, bravely executed and brilliantly accomplished. We owe an enormous debt to the British forces and to the merchant marines. They have been supported by a people united in defence of our way of life and of our sovereign territory.... We went to recapture the Islands, to restore British sovereignty, to restore British administration. I do not intend to negotiate on the sovereignty of the Islands in any way except with the people who live there."

A total of 255 British Servicemen, 3 civilians and 649 Argentineans died during the 74 days of the occupation and conflict. The number of casualties was far greater.

The 25th Anniversary of Liberation is an opportunity to reflect on how we have taken on the challenges and opportunities presented to us by those who fought and fell to preserve our freedom and democracy. What has happened in these past 25 years?

The Falkland Islands have changed considerably since 1982, when the population was in decline, the economy almost entirely dependant upon agriculture and a political system inherited from the Colonial era. In 1980 the GDP was reported to be £4.4 million compared to a GDP this year of £75 million. Today the Falkland Islands have no debts, a modern infrastructure and high quality facilities and services provided by Government and the private sector. This, together with considerable changes to the political system has affected all levels of Falkland's society. Economic growth has resulted in an increased population (31% since 1980), the creation of numerous small businesses and the development of a significant Tourist industry.

Built upon the sacrifices 25 years ago there are 4 key milestones that underpin this political and economic success. The first was the war in 1982, which increased public and political awareness of the Islands. The subsequent re-evaluation by those responsible for the Falklands resulted in the 1985 (current) Constitution, a single document that introduced protections of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual. It set out provisions for an entirely elected legislative council, the rights to self-determination and the obligations of administering powers to uphold those rights. Although a major step forward, executive power remained with the Governor. For the economically poor, real authority remains with those who control the money.

The second milestone therefore was the declaration of the Fisheries Zone in 1986 and the introduction of license fees for those operating within the zone. This hard fought victory finally put the Falklands on the path to economic self sufficiency. Income from Fisheries brought amounts of money to the Falklands Government amounts of money that we had previously only dreamt about and enabled the Falklands to embark on a major programme of re-investment. At the same time a major programme of land reform reduced ex patriot landlords and increased local farm ownership. The sense of self worth generated by land reform permeated throughout Falkland's society and, fuelled by increased wealth from Fisheries, the concept of controlling our own destiny came a step closer. The changes to the Constitution became more meaningful and responsibility for the government of the Islands was increasingly taken on by elected members.

The third milestone was the 1999 UK Government White Paper on Overseas Territories. More than just a symbolic name change, this did away with "Dependencies" and "Colonies", introduced the idea of a long term modern partnership founded on self determination and good governance and encouraged Territories to re-examine their Constitutions.

Following a review, the Falklands proposals for a new Constitution are now well advanced and this represents the final milestone in this 25 year journey. The right to self determination remains central, the rights of the individual are protected, the relationship between the Governor and the Legislative Council will be better defined, there is the provision for Councillors to go full time, take on more responsibility and to be directly responsible to their electorate.

25 years after the war, Colonialism and the old Dependent Territory ethos are dead. This is perhaps a disappointment to the Argentines and their continued claims that we are a colonial relic. They say that under their administration they would respect the "interests" of the Islanders, but not their "wishes". The interests of people are generally determined by others whereas "wishes" may only be determined by the people themselves in accordance with the UN Covenant.

We believe that the evolution of our constitution, together with increasing self government, must in the long term be an irresistible argument against Argentine colonialist aspirations.

As we look positively towards the future, both financially and politically, we are proud to remember the names of those whose sacrifice, in our time of need, truly made this journey possible.

Many Veterans and next of kin of those who paid the ultimate price for liberating the Islands have visited over the past 25 years.

Falkland Islands residents are known for their friendly generous hosting of those who visit to lay to rest their ghosts, and many leave with a sense of peace that they never thought possible. The Islanders may be small in number but they are big in heart and visitors are given the space to reflect and the companionship to talk as required.

This is not a one way affair; hosting a veteran or next of kin is both an honour and a rewarding experience. As visitors relax and find peace and closure from a visit that has sometimes been a daunting undertaking for them, Islanders too are able to find their own peace and understanding.

The South Atlantic Medal Association Falkland Islands branch receives generous local support in raising money to fund travel costs for veterans' visits.

This set of stamps, listing the names of all the British contingent together with the three Islanders who lost their lives in the campaign for liberation is a unique issue within the philatelic world. For the first time a Country and its people pay thanks to each individual by name and this set of 16 stamps, so aptly entitled 'Lest We Forget' stands as a memorial in the same way as the sculpted memorials that already exist in Stanley, St Paul's and Pangbourne Chapel.

We acknowledge with thanks the many excerpts and ideas taken from the speeches of Councillor Mike Summers and Chief Executive Chris Simpkins at the Falklands Forum 2007.

We are also grateful to the Falklands Memorial Chapel Trust at Pangbourne College for providing the names of those who fell.

Technical details:

Photography Michael Hattersley
Text Setting Andrew Robinson
Printer BDT International Security Printing
Process Lithography
Perforation 14 per 2cms
Stamp size 28.45 x 42.58mm
Sheet Layout 2 sheets of 8 x 25p and 8 x 60p stamps
Release date 14th June 2007
Production Co-ordination Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd



Copyright: FI Philatelic Bureau Created and Maintained by: Cyberpoint Limited