Falklands War 30th Anniversary: Veterans and Widows at Memorial Service [SLIDESHOW]

Widows of some of the 255 British soldiers killed in the Falklands War and veterans from the conflict have gathered to commemorate their loved ones on the 30<sup>th anniversary of the Argentinian invasion of the islands.

A single candle was lit during a ceremony at the Millennium Chapel at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and will stay burning for 74 days - the length of the conflict.

The service was attended by Margaret Allen, whose husband, Able Seaman Iain Boldy, was killed in an Argentinian attack on HMS Argonaut on 21 May, 1982.

She suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after her husband's death but her condition was not diagnosed for many years.

The service was also attended by widow Sara Jones. Her husband Lt-Col "H" Jones VC, the commanding office of 2 Para, was killed at the battle of Goose Green on 28 May.

She is now involved with many charities supporting the armed forces, including the National Memorial Arboretum appeal, which aims to create a world-class centre for remembrance.

A permanent memorial to the 255 British and 649 Argentinean troops killed during the war in the Falklands, known in Argentina as "Las Malvinas" , will be unveiled at the arboretum on 20 May.

In a statement to mark the anniversary, Prime Ministry David Cameron praised the heroism of the soldiers and how was "rightly proud" for them "righting a profound wrong".

"Thirty years ago today the people of the Falkland Islands suffered an act of aggression that sought to rob them of their freedom and their way of life," Cameron said.

"Today is a day for commemoration and reflection: a day to remember all those who lost their lives in the conflict - the members of our Armed Forces, as well as the Argentinian personnel who died.

"Today, we salute the heroism of the Task Force which set sail to free the islands.

"We are rightly proud of the role Britain played in righting a profound wrong. And the people of the Falkland Islands can be justly proud of the prosperous and secure future they have built for their islands since 1982.

"Britain remains staunchly committed to upholding the right of the Falkland Islanders, and of the Falkland Islanders alone, to determine their own future.

"That was the fundamental principle that was at stake 30 years ago: and that is the principle which we solemnly re-affirm today."

A memorial service also took place In Ushuaia , Argentina, with veterans of the war gathering for a ceremony to mark the 30<sup>th anniversary on April 1.