All the warriors brought a stone from home and put it in a pile before they went off to their battle

Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward

The commander of the South Atlantic task force in 1982, Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward, explained that the "Stone from Home" project updated an old Celtic custom.

He said: "All the warriors brought a stone from home and put it in a pile before they went off to their battle.

"And then the warriors came back and they would take their stones away, leaving the stones to act as a memorial for those who had fallen."

Reconciliation

The Argentine invasion led to Britain's biggest deployment of ships, aircraft and men since World War II, as a task force headed 8,000 miles south to recapture the islands.

The conflict cost the lives of 655 Argentinian and 255 British servicemen.

Images of the war, including the sinking of the cruiser Belgrano, explosion of the HMS Antelope, bombing of the landing ship RFA Sir Galahad and the battles at Goose Green and Wireless Ridge, remain vivid in many Britons' memories.

But 20 years on the mood between those who fought in the conflict is much more one of reconciliation.

I have respect for the heroism at the heart of this conflict

Argentine pilot Gerado Isaac

Argentine pilot Vice Commodore Gerado Isaac told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that there were other ways of meeting his country's objectives now than going to war.

But he added: "I have respect for the heroism at the heart of this conflict."

British marine Lance Corporal Chris Pretty, who was in a "fire-fight" on the island on 14 June when Argentina surrendered, returned the salute.

"We watched Argentine pilots flow over us and we were gob-smacked at how brave they were - true professionals."

British since 1833

The anniversary will pass in a relatively muted fashion in Port Stanley.

Many islanders fear - and some Argentinian commentators hope - that Britain's negotiations with Spain over Gibraltar will set a precedent for capitulation over the Falklands.

The islands, originally colonies of France, then Spain, but never officially part of Argentina, have been in British possession since 1833.

British governor Donald Lamont said that even the 'liberation day' event would be more of a solemn remembrance ceremony than a celebration.

"It's called liberation day but it isn't quite like that. For the islanders too many people died for it to be a celebration."