First Welsh national memorial to Falklands unveiled

At a special ceremony to mark the 25 years since the 1982 conflict, a stone brought to Cardiff from the South Atlantic islands, with the name of every Welsh soldier who fell victim to the war inscribed on it,
was uncovered.

Around 1,000 people attended the ceremony, including veterans and the familes of those who lost their lives in the conflict.

Welsh Guardsman Simon Weston, of Penylan, Cardiff, who was severely burned after an attack on the landing ship Sir Galahad, said he was proud to be at the unveiling of the monument in Cathays Park yesterday:

"It was great to see some old faces I haven't seen for 20 years or more. And it was a great occasion for Wales to finally have a monument where we can remember those who died in the Falklands. I am pleased for everyone who tried so hard to get this rock to Wales and get the monument in Cardiff."

First Minister Rhodri Morgan addressed the crowds of veterans and families gathered at Cathays Park and said:

"It has been an honour for me to work with the South Atlantic Medal Association in bringing this memorial to mark the Welsh lives cut short in the Falklands conflict."

Cardiff council leader Rodney Berman added:

"We remember those who died for a British territory thousands of miles away."

The memorial service, which included a series of readings, prayers and songs, sung by the Mynyddislwyn and Caldicot choirs, was followed by a wreath- laying and RAF fly-past.

Peter McCarthy OBE, also a veteran of the conflict, addressed the service.

"A lot of people have asked me in the last 25 years 'was it worth it?' and whatever the answer is, it is of little comfort to those who lost loved ones," he said.  "Wales was affected more than anyone by the conflict as there were Welsh people in every regiment."

Andy "Curley" Jones, of the South Atlantic Medal Association, was on the Sir Galahad when it was attacked on June 8, 1982, and has been campaigning for a national memorial for his fallen comrades. He said:

"It is important the people of Wales have a place where they can recognise the loss caused by the Falklands conflict."

The memorial is made from a five tonne granite rock from Mount Harriet, a gift from the Falkland Islanders. It stands as testament to the 258 members of the British Task force and the three Falkland Islanders who gave their lives.

The structure has been paid for by the South Atlantic Medal Association in Wales and is also the official Welsh National Falklands Memorial.

The largest loss of life during the campaign happened at Fitzroy with the bombing of the RFA Sir Galahad which claimed 48 lives, 32 of which were soldiers from the Welsh Guards.