Parade, investiture ceremony mark Republic Day

Malta is today celebrating Republic Day.

Official celebrations started with an Armed Forces of Malta march along Republic Street to St George’s Square in Valletta, where a parade was held.

Following the parade, an investiture and medal-giving ceremony took place at the Grand Council Chamber at the Palace in Valletta.

President Eddie Fenech Adami presided over the ceremony for the last time, appointing Igor Judge to the Xirka Ġieħ ir-Repubblika, Lino Spiteri, Anton Tabone, Katrine Camilleri, Joe Friggieri, Mikiel Fsadni, Mario Tabone, Winston V Zahra and George Albert Zarb to The National Order of Merit and awarding Tanya Bayona, Doris Cusens, Myriam England, Vincent Farrugia, Ira Losco, Brian Schembri, the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta and Patricia Troubridge the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Rupubblika.

Dr Fenech Adami said that during the past five years and particularly very recently, he noted positive developments in the way Maltese politicians were really seeking the common good.

“I augur that our country will continue down this path.”

He spoke on the international financial crisis noting that in Malta there was still a strong sense of solidarity.

“There is a need, however, of decision-making which ensures the best interests of our common good,” he said adding that he has noted that the erosion of the country’s traditional Christian values - family, honesty, industriousness and solidarity, was increasing.

Official celebrations in Gozo are being held this evening.

The Labour Party held a separate ceremony at the foot of the monument in December 13 Road.

Malta became a Republic in 1974.