On June 14, 1982, reports came through that the white flag was flying over Port Stanley, which marked the end of the Falklands War.

Lasting 74 days, it was the first military conflict since the Second World War that utilised all elements of the Armed Forces and concluded with the successful liberation of the islands following the Argentinian invasion.

Some 225 British servicemen, three islanders and 649 Argentinian personnel were killed during the ten-week conflict.

Last Saturday, on June 14, 2025, I had the immense privilege of attending a special service on Clacton seafront to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the end of the war and pay respect to those who were involved and those who did not return home.

The service at the War Memorial was led by the Rev Henderson George and included prayers, the Last Post, a reading of the Falklands Epitaph and the laying of wreaths.

This moving act of remembrance was organised by the Clacton branch of the Royal British Legion and Tendring Council, to whom I would like to pass on my thanks, as well as to all the forces organisations, standard bearers, ex-service men and women and the members of the public who attended.

Polling from just a few years ago showed that more than a quarter of Gen Zs, those aged 18-24, had never heard of the Falklands War.

This is why services of remembrance, such as the one last Saturday, are incredibly important, particularly because 43 years on, many Falklands veterans and their families still live with the consequences of that conflict.

Services charities and organisations like the RBL do such great work to support everyone affected.

Those interested in finding out more about the Clacton RBL branch can visit their website or Facebook group.