George Cross commemoration

Malta yesterday marked the 64th anniversary of the award of the George Cross with a ceremony at the Siege Bell monument in Valletta.

President Eddie Fenech Adami laid a wreath at the foot of the monument after Major Stanley Clews, chairman of the Malta George Cross Island Association, made a welcome address.

Before the wreath-laying and the welcome address, Rev. S. Macgregor, Fr Marius Zerafa, OP, and Rev. Peter Wolfenden conducted an ecumentical service.

Wreaths were also laid by the president of the GCIA, President Emeritus Dr Censu Tabone, the chairman of the Malta GC branch, Lt Col. Antoine Pace Bonello, the Commander of the Armed Froces, Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, and by representatives of the Royal British Legion (Malta branch), the RN Officers Association, RN, RAF, RMA, 3/11 RMTA (T), KOMR, RN Officers' associations, the Anglo Maltese League, the British Residents' Association and others.

A contingent of about 60 members from various branches of the GCIA in the UK was present for the occasion. They will also take part in a commemorative service at St Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral and another one at the Pietà cemetery for ANZAC day. The GCIA members return to the UK on May 3.

The George Cross was given to the people of Malta by King George VI on April 15, 1942, for their bravery during the island's second great siege.