GC presentation recalled in moving ceremony

I was engaged by the MTA to undertake all the historical research for yesterday's re-enactment and having had done the same for the MTA in 2002 when the Pedestal Convoy story was similarly retold, I feel, by means of these dioramas, the present generation has been better informed on Malta's finest hour in 1942 than what the second and third generations have been told at school (ie Little or nothing at all).One may view yesterday's Event from different perspectives amongst which may be anti-servitude sentiments as already expressed in this column. But for those who were on Palace Square yesterday and heard the audio commentary that accompanied the historically factual GC medal handing over moment and scene, this event was not only about any factual reminder of a Colonial Master's piece of regalia to loyal servants, but more importantly, the marking of a morale boosting, soul lifting act of defiance by a bruised and battered People. For 1942, it was a previously inconceivable, bold and brazen, well attended, public display that followed within days of Malta's salvation from a secretly planned capitulation, saved only by the remnants of the epic Pedestal Convoy-another epitome of success against all odds for Malta. It was our forefathers' glorious sentiments of faith and fortitude that truth and justice will ultimately prevail, that was comemmorated yesterday. It was truly a moment of National Identity and pride for all Maltese present- an event within 22 years of our long pursued, ultimate goal of seeking total and final Independence from any servitude or obligation to any other Nation or would-be occupying force. Were we totally independent from Britian in 1942, our outcome would have had the same violated history as most european nations today but thanks to our ties with Britian at the time, we soldiered on together and resolutely throughout a just war. There is no harm therefore to celebrate this event by reminding of British interests and Malta moments of past.together with them. Those 150 Colonial years were mostly memorable and prosperous times for all Maltese as well. The GC Cross medal itself intertwines the successful joint effort against the dark forces of tyranny and opression and is merely a poignant internationally acclaimed symbol that helps the world better comprehend an event that only the George Cross Islanders truly understand. No more words needed. Yesterday, those on Palace Square were most proud to stand tall and say 'Proud of my forefathers. So proud to be Maltese'.

I am the son of a WWII veteran who happened to spend the best days of his youth in uniform, wounded on at least two occasions in the Middle East campaign. I have every respect and appreciation for the millions who sacrificed themselves in that brutal holocaust. But I still cannot get myself to understand why we in Malta still have to celebrate with such pomp and circumstance the award of a medal by a country that was once our colonial master. Remembering the courage and sacrifice of the people who participated in the war effort is highly commendable, but turning the award of a simple medal for civilian valour, that was nothing but a symbol of honest appreciation of Great Britain, into a veritable apotheosis, smacks of subservience and superciliousness. Does the award of such a medal make us feel that we are any braver than the victims of the 1945 Dresden bombings? Or of the Jews of the Warsaw uprising, or of the civilians who suffered the siege of Stalingrad or the bombings of London, or of the hundreds of thousands of civilian partisans who died fighting Nazi-Fascism across Europe...? Of course the list is endless.