Falkland Islands Flag Once Again Flying Over Port Stanley

Dear Fellow Earthlings, On the 14th of June 1982, in Port Stanley, capital of the Falkland Islands, the morning air was filthy with the smoke from the thousands of shells that had exploded the whole night long. Rumors were running rampant all morning long among the townsfolk that the Argentines were about to surrender. Long lines of Argentine troops were moving along as best they could, trying to avoid being hit by incoming British shells. Most residents of Port Stanley were forced to leave their homes for the "safety" of designated safe areas such as the local "shopping center" -- known as West Store -- or other structures that could hold large groups of people. As noon approached white flags began to appear here and there in town. At 2:30 Falkland authorities

began visiting the various places where the townspeople had taken refuge, informing them that a meeting

between Generral Mario Menéndez (occupation governor of the Falklands) and Major General Jeremy Moore

(commander of the British forces in the Falklands) were underway. British forces were waiting just outside of Port Stanley, should the surrender talks fail... The talks did not fail. The Argentines had surrendered. It was agreed the British fleet would take most of the troops back to Argentina as soon as possible. Major General Jeremy Moore himself visited the places where the largest groups of townspeople had been sent to announce the wonderful news: The Falklands are free at last! Steve Waker Earthsaver and Jingles Creator

Stanley on the 14th of June 1982: Smoldering, Battered on the Day of Liberation by British Forces; Steepled structure on the right is Christ Church Cathedral.

Falklands flag waving proudly in the Falklands wind, August 2013, up on Philomel Hill

Stanley as it was when I was there in August 2013 (Christ Church Cathedral in the background).

© 2013 Steve Walker, The Jingles-The Japan Foundation for English Pronunciation, Summit Enterprises.