Liberation Monument Unveiled

(Falkland Islands Newsletter, No.20, August 1984)

The Liberation Monument, which is situated in front of the Secretariat in Stanley, was unveiled by The Honourable Harold Rowlands, OBE, on Thursday 14th June - Liberation Day.  Mr Rowlands, the Financial Secretary of the Falkland Islands Government, was the highest ranking Government official left during the occupation and war, after both the Governor and Chief Secretary had been expelled by the Argentine invaders.

The ceremony was preceded by an interdenominational service at Christchurch Cathedral, attended by members of the civilian and military communities and two representatives of the Falkland Islands Families Association.  Among those laying wreaths were His Excellency the Civil Commissioner (Sir Rex Hunt) on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen and the people of the United Kingdom, the Military Commissioner on behalf of the Armed Services and the Financial Secretary on behalf of the People of the Falkland Islands.

The twenty feet high polished granite pillar, inscribed with the names of all the units which took part in the Campaign, is surmounted by an eight feet high bronze figure of Britainnia, sculptured by David Norris FRBS and cast by Burleighfield Arts of High Wycombe.  The surrounding area is paved, partly with Fox Bay stone, and is backed by a 10 feet high wall, constructed in quartzite stone from the battlefield areas.  In the centre of the wall is a mounted bronze relief depicting a scene, sculptured by Faith Winter ARBS, showing many of the units which took part in the War and this is flanked by bronze plaques listing the names of those who died.  The architect is Gerald Dixon, a Falkland Islander, who donated his services.

The monument was funded entirely by money raised by Falkland Islanders.

Source: Falkland Islands Government Office

This article first appeared in the Falkland Islands Newsletter, Edition 20, August 1984.  The Falkland Islands Association is an independent organisation which brings together those who support the continuing freedom of the people of the Falkland Islands.  Its Constitution states that its objectives are to assist the people of the Falkland Islands to decide their own future for themselves without being subjected to pressure direct or indirect from any quarter.

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