The Falklands War took place in 1982 between the United Kingdom and Argentina. The Falkland Islands called Islas Malvinas in Argentina. Argentina invaded the islands on April 2, 1982. The United Kingdom subsequently sent a special task force to the islands to reclaim it from the Argentines. In June British troops landed on the Falkland Islands. The British managed to reclaim the islands. The war cost the lives of 649 Argentines and 258 British. Two warships became known as a result of this war: the Argentinian light cruiser ARA General Belgrano and the British destroyer HMS Sheffield.
Read more: why San Martin is so honoured in Argentina?
The Falklands War – Malvinas
This war that went badly for Argentina heralded the end of the junta. In the United Kingdom, support for Margaret Thatcher’s government increased as a result of the war. The islands have been ruled by the United Kingdom since the reconquest, but are still being claimed by Argentina.
Monumento a los Caídos en Malvinas
The monument, inaugurated in 1990, consists of a curved, granite wall with 25 black marble plaques. Each plaque lists the names of the 649 Argentine servicemen who died in the war. At the center of the monument is an eternal flame, symbolizing remembrance and honor for the fallen soldiers. The flame is lit continuously and represents Argentina’s enduring memory of those who served and died in the conflict. The wall’s design reflects a sense of solemnity and respect, encouraging quiet reflection for visitors.
April 2nd in Buenos Aires
The monument serves as a focal point for remembrance ceremonies, particularly on April 2nd, which is observed as Día del Veterano y de los Caídos en la Guerra de Malvinas (Veterans and Fallen of the Malvinas War Day) in Argentina. On this day, family members of the fallen, veterans, military officials, and the public gather to pay their respects.
The Falklands War remains a sensitive and significant issue in Argentina, with many Argentines viewing the islands as an integral part of their national territory. The memorial not only commemorates the soldiers but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing political dispute over the islands.
