Plymouth City Council will agree a cross-party resolution next week at an extraordinary meeting of the Council that proposes to grant Freedom of the City to all those who served in the Falklands as part of the 40th anniversary of the conflict.
In 1982, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army units were deployed from Devonport and Plymouth as part of British efforts to liberate the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.
Plymouth-based units were involved in some of the fiercest fighting in the conflict. To recognise their contribution, and remember those who served, elected members will vote on a motion at Monday’s council meeting (21 March), to grant the Freedom of the City honour to those who fought in the South Atlantic, and are recipients of the South Atlantic Medal.
As is tradition, the resolution will be formally presented to a representative of the South Atlantic Medal Association SAMA(82) on 25 June 2022.
This is part of a wider programme of activities that are being organised across the city to mark the anniversary later this year, including an armed forces veteran parade, talks, moments of remembrance, an exhibition at The Box, and other events to renew Plymouth’s long-standing partnership with the Falklands.
Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, who is proposing the motion, said: “I am proud that our city will recognise the service and sacrifice of all those people who served their country in a conflict that saw hundreds of Britons give their lives or suffer injury.
“The contribution of Plymouth during that time should be recognised. And it is right that we record our gratitude and appreciation to all those who served. Offering those veterans, the highest honour that the city can bestow will hopefully demonstrate our gratitude and appreciation. I hope that the city will join us in giving thanks and paying their respects to those who didn’t return.”
Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of the opposition group at Plymouth City Council, is seconding the motion. He said: “The country owes a huge debt to the people who travelled half a world away to defend the Falklands from Argentine invasion, whether from Plymouth or based in Plymouth. The council places its thanks to those who returned and those who were lost, to their families and comrades and for the sacrifice, bravery and loyalty shown in the heat of battle.
“It is surely time, on this 40th anniversary year, to make this highest honour to the people who liberated British territory in the South Atlantic. It is also important to acknowledge the role of our Dockyard and Naval Base played in making the Task Force ready in such short order.”
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Lockett, Royal Navy, Trustee and Treasurer of the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982, added: “South Atlantic medal holders express their grateful pleasure and honour to receive the Freedom of the City of Plymouth. The medal holders are proud to have returned the islands of the Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich, to the Crown, and to enable the occupants of those islands to enjoy the freedom, prosperity, democracy and community of their way of life.
“Medal holders are also thankful for the significant support of the residents of the City of Plymouth in enabling our forces to leave for the conflict so well-prepared.”