An exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands has been opened today by the Hon, the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia CMG MP. The exhibition has been curated by the Archivist Anthony Pitaluga MBE and prepared by the Gibraltar National Archives. Its opening follows the unveiling of a commemorative plaque last week to honour Gibraltar’s role in the Falklands conflict.
Dr Garcia explained that the enduring and unbreakable bond between Gibraltar and the Falklands was cemented during the war to liberate the Islands. There were strong parallels between both places and many Gibraltarians saw their own situation reflected in the plight of the Falklands and defended their right to self-determination.
The conflict in the Falklands had a direct impact on Gibraltar at the time, with the reopening of the border delayed, and an Argentine military operation against the Rock thwarted. A very close relationship was maintained throughout the conflict and continued after the Islands were liberated on 14 June 1982.
The exhibition is made up 190 A1 PVC panels displaying 483 individual images, live testimonials from Falkland veterans, a collection of original memorabilia and a section of postage material relevant to the conflict are also on display. There is also an interactive research station where archival material from the UK National Archives and the Imperial War Museum can be viewed.
The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia, said:
“Our history, and that of the Falkland Islands, are interwoven throughout this episode. More broadly, the right to freedom and to self-determination came to the fore. In many ways, the war to liberate the Falklands became our war also.
I would like to personally thank the Archivist, Mr Anthony Pitaluga, and his staff at the Gibraltar National Archives as well as his army of volunteers and helpers who have all played their part in delivering this brilliant exhibition. The Government is grateful to all those who have contributed to make this exhibition a reality. This is yet another excellent exposition of an important period of Gibraltar’s history.”
