To find out the real story of the 74 days Falklands War told by the people who were actually here. - https://www.74days.co.fk/
We have come a long way since 1982. This film tells the stories of those who were here, but also from voices of our future who talk about how we have used the hard won freedom. We have the right to self-determination and continue to be forever grateful for the Task Force.
Stanley awarded Platinum Jubilee City status
On Friday 20 May 2022, Stanley – capital of the Falkland Islands – was granted official city status by Her Majesty The Queen, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations. This follows a rigorous and detailed assessment process, presided over by an expert panel, which saw 39 applications put forward for this prestigious award, made all the more special given that 2022 celebrates the first British monarch to reach 70 years on the throne, as well as the 40th anniversary of the Falkland Islands War.
MLA Pete Biggs, Chair of the Legislative Assembly, said: “We are utterly thrilled to have been chosen for this very rare award, which is granted by Queen Elizabeth II herself. The Falkland Islands is one of the most remote British Overseas Territories, but our distance only serves to strengthen the feelings of gratitude, love and respect, that we have for Her Majesty The Queen, as a vitally important and iconic figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth.
“This celebration of her extraordinary reign comes at a time when we in the Falkland Islands are equally reflecting on an extraordinary time in our own history, as we remember the events of 74 days in 1982 when we were invaded. For our small community it was an unprecedented time, but I am delighted that, 40 years on from those dark days, we are being recognised in this way – I think it goes to show just how far we have come in that time. In the past four decades we have built a thriving, prosperous nation, which continually looks to the future while respecting our past.
“We are also especially delighted, as it is the first time that British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies have been allowed to apply for the title, which is why we jumped at the chance to take part. We have a very strong and long-standing relationship with the Royal family, whose visits have always been very well-received. Each time we have welcomed royalty to our shores, they have made a lasting impression on our home and in our hearts.
“Finally, I would like to express to Her Majesty our sincere and grateful thanks on behalf of all of the people of the Falkland Islands, who remain her loyal subjects. We sincerely hope that the Platinum Jubilee celebrations bring her great joy and happiness – and that she will be able to hear the sounds of our own festivities from 8,000 miles away. God save our gracious Queen!”
Please click on the links below to view the details of our submission.
40th anniversary - project opportunities
The 40th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Falkland Islands will be a significant occasion for many people, both in the Falkland Islands and overseas. As such, the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) regularly receives details of projects taking place outside of the Islands and which are not being coordinated via the 40th Anniversary Committee.
To help spread awareness of these opportunities, we have set up this webpage, and contributions are welcome from anyone who is looking to run a event or activity that has links with the 40th anniversary.
If you would like to submit an entry for this page, please email a brief description of your project and your contact information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - please note, that submissions will be included at the discretion of FIG which means that only suitable entries will be published, and these may be subject to proofing and editing prior to publication.
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To mark the 40th anniversary, the British Modern Military History Society is compiling a book of memories and stories of those who served in the Falklands. The stories can be of any role, any of the services, civilians, Falkland Islanders, those based in UK or the families of those who served. We would also be interested in any stories from the Argentine perspective. All profits will go to the charity Blind Veterans UK. |
If you have a story to tell – whether a short anecdote or a longer piece - please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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To mark the 40th anniversary, Mr Andrew Cave has initiated a project to commemorate the efforts of dockyard workers and the contribution that they made to the Falkland Islands war. A plaque has already been unveiled in Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, and further plans are now underway for Devonport Naval Dockyard, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Gibraltar Dockyard, Portland Dockyard, Rosyth Dockyard, Faslane Dockyard, Southampton and Hull. Mr Cave is now seeking support for further commemorative plaques, in particular those which acknowledge the psychological and physical impact on veterans. |
If you are interested in contributing to this project or would like further information - please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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To mark the 40th anniversary, Mr Alan Beattie, museum volunteer, is working on a project in conjunction with the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum | Doncaster to display 40 panels featuring Islanders with a current photo, a photo from 1982 and a short message outlining how they feel looking back on 1982 today. This opportunity is open both to Islanders who have been resident in the Falkland Islands since 1982, as well as people who came to the Islands after that point. In addition to the museum display, Mr Beattie is aiming to put together an additional display book to feature all submissions. |
If you are interested in contributing to this project or would like further information - please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
Emotional wellbeing and the 40th anniversary
It is not unusual for people who have survived a traumatic event to experience increased anxiety, or other difficult thoughts and feelings, around the anniversary of the trauma. It is therefore understandable that during 2022 – the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War – people who lived through the war, or who have strong associations with 1982, may notice an increase in their thoughts and feelings about their experiences.
We hope that for most people, the 40th anniversary will be an opportunity to reflect on their experiences in a healthy way, and sometimes this may mean feeling sadness when remembering difficult events. However, for some people, the commemorative events of the 40th anniversary may trigger thoughts and feelings that feel overwhelming. While we are not suggesting that everyone who feels upset during this time needs professional help, we would like to offer you some ideas about how to help yourself, and each other, and to let you know how to access extra support if required.
Firstly, we would like to remind you that there is no shame in experiencing a normal human reaction to an abnormal experience.
Many people (both military and civilian) who lived through the Falklands War in 1982, experienced extreme levels of anxiety, distress and grief, both during and in the months following the war, which is a totally normal reaction to trauma.
However, for some people, these symptoms did not go away over time, and may get worse around anniversaries. These might include:
- Reliving the event through unwanted thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, strong emotional to physical reactions to reminders of the trauma.
- Avoidance of thoughts, feelings or reminders about the trauma. Sometimes people use alcohol to avoid thoughts and feelings by making them go ‘numb’.
- Feeling ‘on guard’ or jumpy and easily startled. Sometimes this includes feeling very angry or irritable as well as worried or anxious.
- Difficult thoughts and feelings - trauma (including conflict) can impact the way we see ourselves, other people and the world. This can sometimes make it hard to connect with other people.
So, what can you do to feel better?
- Most people will feel better within a few weeks of the apex of the anniversary, with difficult thoughts and feelings becoming less frequent and severe.
- Some people find it helpful to attend organised events, but some people prefer to pay respects in their own way; we would advise you to do whatever suits you best.
- Although socialising with friends and other survivors can be part of a healing process, it is important that alcohol is not used to ‘numb’ thoughts and feelings.
- There are also a number of online self-help resources available. These are designed for people who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, but are also useful for anyone who has survived trauma. Some good examples are:
- We also have a limited number of ‘Recovering from PTSD’ self-help workbooks that can be requested by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Very often, people feel embarrassed, ashamed or weak because they are still experiencing high levels of distress 40 years after the war, but please try to remember that there is no shame in feeling a range of strong emotions at this time.
If you feel that professional help would be beneficial for you, then please contact the Emotional Wellbeing Service. You can refer yourself to the service by calling 28082 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You can also contact The Samaritans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 51515 – this is a freephone number and an entirely confidential service.
40th anniversary - events and activities
On this page you will find information on the range of activities and events planned to celebrate and commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Falkland Islands. The latest version of our schedule details the events that are planned for the first six months of the year, from the beginning January to the end of June 2022. Please check back regularly as this schedule will be refreshed on a regular basis.
You can also visit the pages of our London Office to find out what activities are planned across the UK for 2022: 40th anniversary in the UK
