Veterans, civic leaders, and members of the public came together in Clacton on Sunday (14 June) to mark the 44th anniversary of the end of the Falklands War.

The commemorative service, held at the Clacton War Memorial and jointly organised by Clacton Royal British Legion (RBL) and Tendring District Council (TDC), paid tribute to those who served and sacrificed during the 1982 conflict.

Led by Richard Geddes, Chairman of the Clacton branch of the RBL, the ceremony included the Falklands Epitaph, prayers, and the laying of wreaths by veterans, local dignitaries, and representatives of armed forces organisations.

Among those in attendance were Councillor Ann Oxley, Chairman of TDC, who gave a reading during the service, Vice-Chairman Councillor Carlo Guglielmi, Clacton MP Nigel Farage, and Councillor Dan Casey, TDC’s Armed Forces champion.

Councillor Oxley said the service was an important opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance.

She said: “It was very heartening to see residents, veterans and civic representatives come together in Clacton to mark this important anniversary and pay their respects.

“Events like this are an important part of community life, giving people the chance to reflect together and ensure those who served are remembered with dignity and respect.”

Councillor Casey added: “The Falklands campaign remains a powerful reminder of the courage, professionalism and sacrifice shown by our armed forces in the most challenging of circumstances.

“It was especially important to see veterans and the wider community come together to honour those who served, and to recognise the lasting contribution of our forces past and present.”