FALKLANDS COMMEMORATE BATTLE DAY
By J. Brock (FINN)
A service of remembrance took place during a church service on Sunday, 08 December 2002. In his welcome and introduction, the Rev. Alistair McHaffie mentioned His. Excellency the Governor, Mr. Howard Pearce, Admiral Sir. Hugo White and Lady White and Commodore Richard Ibbotsen. Also welcomed was the Rev. Ken Newton of the Seamen’s Mission and Msgr. Michael McPartland. The Brass Quintet of the Band of the Royal Airforce College was noted for leading the music.
It was announced by Rev. McHaffie that the offering taken will go towards the Seamen’s Mission
The first hymn was: "All People That on Earth Do Dwell," and following the singing of the hymn, the Rev. McHaffie said the following:
"Dear friends, we are met together on this day of the Commemoration of the Battle of the Falkland Islands to praise God for the preservation of our community. We remember with gratitude the courage and faithful service of the Officers and Men of the British Squadron involved in the action, especially the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the defence of these Islands.
Let us accompany our praise and strengthen our prayers by renewal of our faith in Christ and offer ourselves to his most glorious service."
The first lesson, Psalm 107:23 – 32 was read by His Excellency the Governor Mr. Howard Pearce CVO. This was followed by the singing of the hymn, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty." Mark 4: 35 – 41, the second lesson, was read by Admiral Sir Hugo White. "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," the Offertory Hymn followed.
THE ADDRESS BY MSGR. MICHAEL McPARTLAND:
We come together today to remember the heroic Officers and Men who took their part in the Battle of the Falklands on the high seas on December the 8th 1914, exactly 88 years ago today. It is fitting that what is common to both our scripture readings today is the sea. Both talk of turbulence, both have people terrified and cry out to the Lord, and in both God responds by coming to their help and calming the storm.
In scripture, the sea is very often a metaphor for life itself. When we travel on calm waters, we enjoy life. And, we have an inner sense of being in control. However, when a crisis comes, as it does often, we lose that inner sense of control and we are, as it were, at sea.
Now, we can, on our own resources, try to wait it out - wait until calmer times come. But the message in our scripture today is to cry out to the Lord, who is there at the heart of whatever crisis we may find ourselves in.
Today, we remember and we thank God for those who gave their lives in defence of the Falkland Islands in the First World War. In their hour of crisis, as it were, a great power took over. These brave officers and men forgot their own safety and thought only of the defence of the realm and our community. Many paid the supreme sacrifice in doing so.
Today, some two or three generations later, we still give thanks to the Lord in the words of Psalm 107, for their bravery. And, we pray that their legacy to us will be a continuing peace and prosperity until that time when, in the vision of the Prophet, Isaiah, we all live in a world where there is neither war nor threat of war ever again.
The address was followed by prayers by the Rev. Ken Newton of the Seamen’s Mission, and then the Lord’s Prayer. The RNA Standard, which had been placed on the altar, was returned during the singing of the hymn, "O Valiant Hearts." The Naval Collect was then read out and followed by the National anthem and the Blessing.
Following the service the band, a naval contingent from HMS Leeds Castle and a contingent from the FIDF marched to the 1914 Monument where a short service took place as well as the laying of wreaths.
There was a fly-past consisting of the VC-10 with refuelling nozzles extended, two Tornado Aircraft, a Chinook Helicopter and two Sea King Helicopters. Following the finale by the two Tornado Aircraft, the Band, Royal Navy Contingent and the FIDF formed up and as they marched past Government House, His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Howard Pearce took the salute.
