Margaret Thatcher Day
Margaret Thatcher Day is a holiday that’s observed on January 10th each year and is observed in the Falkland Islands. It commemorates the day on January 10, 1983, when UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher paid her first visit to the Falkland Islands, 6-months after Argentina was defeated in the war between them and the United Kingdom over the ownership of the islands.
Falkland Islands (Observance) This holiday was then established in 1992 in honor of this memorable visit. It has been celebrated ever since for the past 30+ years.
The History Of Margaret Thatcher Day
The Falkland Islands is an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. This archipelago has been contested ever since the 19th century. Both Great Britain and Argentina have claimed ownership of this island chain. When Argentina claimed its independence in 1816, it would go on to claim the Falklands.
Great Britain ignored this claim, however, and established sovereignty over the islands in 1833. Great Britain would turn the islands into a military outpost, and this would be the beginning of the dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina over control of the islands.
In 1981, General Leopoldo Galtieri became Argentina’s president after a military coup. To boost his popularity ratings, which were low, he decided to invade the Falklands. The forces of Argentina would land on the Falkland Islands on April 2, 1982. Argentine Forces would engage a small garrison of the Royal Marines and after a brief conflict, the marines would surrender.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher held an emergency meeting and it was decided that a task force should be sent to the Falklands to retake the islands. On June 14, 1982, Argentine forces would surrender and the war would end with Great Britain claiming victory. On January 10, 1983, PM Thatcher would visit the island. This day has since been immortalized by the Falklands ever since 1992 when they established this holiday in honor of that visit.
Observing Margaret Thatcher Day
Margaret Thatcher Day is celebrated by people taking the time to learn more about the conflict between Argentina and the UK and about PM Thatcher’s memorable visit. It’s also observed by using the hashtag #MargaretThatcherDay on social media on this day.
Falkland Islands (Observance) 
