John Stevenson MP for Carlisle has thanked all those involved in the organisation of the hugely successful Falklands 40 event which took place last weekend in Carlisle.
Over 100 veterans attended representing units from all over the country, and residents of Carlisle lined the city centre to pay their respects.
Speaking John said, ‘It was a huge honour to be part of the event which saw the Falklands flag being presented to the people of Carlisle, the parade of veterans, many of whom laid wreaths for those friends and colleagues who were not able to return from the South Atlantic, and the service of remembrance at St Cuthbert’s Church.
It was a particularly wonderful moment to watch the veterans as they marched from the city centre to St Cuthbert’s Church to spontaneous applause from those that had come to watch. I would like to thank each and every one of them for making the journey to be with us.
Special thanks must also go to Carlisle resident Howard Foster, former Forward Observation Officer with the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment during the conflict, who led the parade and was instrumental in the organisation of the whole event, Reverend Canon Jim Hyslop who led both services, and Richard Hyslop who presented the flag to the people of Carlisle on behalf of the Falklands Government.
Cumbria Army Cadet Force, Carlisle City Council and Cumbria Police were also heavily involved on the day and I would like to thank all of them for supporting the event. Everyone I spoke to on the day and since has agreed it has been a wonderful and poignant event.”
