Youth rallies celebrate two historical events

Forty years apart, Lewis Portelli was master of ceremonies and commentator at almost identical events to celebrate two national historical events.

On September 23, 1964, a youth rally was held at the Independence Arena in Floriana, to celebrate independence, with the schoolchildren forming the words Malta Indipendenti.

The highlight of the event was when Prime Minister George Borg Olivier went around the arena acknowledging the applause of those present.

The event was broadcast live by Italian RAI TV to Maltese and Italian audiences.

On May 8, almost 40 years on, Mr Portelli was again asked by the EU Membership Celebrations Committee to be master of ceremonies and commentator at a youth rally on St George's Square, Valletta, to mark Malta's entry in the European Union.

Hundreds of participants marched from the Granaries in Floriana down Republic Street to the square. There were three displays on stage - from Spirit Combat International, the Gymstars Gymnastic Club and the Traditional Karate Federation of Malta.

President Eddie Fenech Adami and Education, Youth and Employment Minister Louis Galea presided. The President, who was greeted by the Hamrun Scout Group Pipe Band, addressed the gathering.

Among those present were the organising committee president Architect Vincent Cassar, Mario Azzopardi of the Maltese Sports Council and Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco, president of the Malta Olympic Committee.