Gun salute to mark Victory Day

Victory Day today will be marked by a spectacular 19-gun salute by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta.

The salute will start at noon and last for 10 minutes.

The guns will be fired by volunteers from FWA's Heritage Interpretation Group dressed as late Victorian Royal Malta Artillery soldiers. They will follow the early 19th century British gun drill.

The event will be accompanied by a running commentary in Maltese and English.

September 8 recalls the Great Siege of 1565; the surrender of the French in 1800; and the surrender of Italy in 1943, which spelt the end of World War II in Malta.

History and religion have become intertwined here as is reflected by the religious feast of Our Lady of Victory being celebrated today.

In its hey-day, the Saluting Battery provided gun salutes to dignitaries and warships visiting or leaving Grand Harbour.

Salutes were also fired to commemorate events such as the sovereign's birthday, to announce great military victories, and on the feast of St Paul, Malta's patron saint.

Following the end of the gun firings, tours will be held when members of the public will be able to handle period ammunition and equipment used in working the guns.

They will also be able to help out in loading the guns and view the underground chambers where ammunition and artillery implements were stored. A brief history of the battery will be distributed.

A fee of Lm1 per adult and 50c per child under 16 will be charged with proceedings going towards the ongoing restoration of the battery.