Parade, investiture ceremony mark Republic Day
The AFM's Maritime Squardon was decorated as a unit during today's Republic Day cermony. (Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi)
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.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
11 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
joyce camilleri
Dec 14th 2008, 21:39
CONGRATULATIONS to Brian Schembri, a well deserved award!! Joyce and Joe Camilleri. (Paris)
David Zarb
Dec 13th 2008, 19:33
Perhaps it would be important to add something to the last sentence of this article:
"Malta became a Republic in 1974"..... under the brilliant leadership of Perit Duminku Mintoff. Mr. Mintoff, your leadership will remain in history for centuries to come.. you will be part of the core history of the Maltese Islands!! Despite the unkind comments that some of the PN partisans say, you were the first and only one who appointed a President of the Republic, without any political connections!!
laurence schembri
Dec 13th 2008, 18:03
Well deserved Tanya, last time we met you truly looked radiant. Regards to Vince.
Stefan Gauci Scicluna
Dec 13th 2008, 17:57
I think it's time that both the Government and Opposition agree that on the most important national days (Independence and Republic Days), both sides attend with enthusiasm in order to show unity and a sense of direction and pride in our nation state. This would really give an example to all citizens that we are maturing in political terms.National days are not political parties' days. Let us go beyond the narrow view of political parties only. As Maltese we should increase that sense of statism, rule of law and unity. Only if we respect ourselves first, then we can pretend that other nations respect us.
JB Caruana
Dec 13th 2008, 17:02
nice pic Darren...prosit.
Dusty William
Dec 13th 2008, 16:58
Hey Lupi what a shot! what a pic! congratulations my friend you're such a talented photographer -
edward vella
Dec 13th 2008, 15:15
Medals should be given to all honest minimum wage workmen who sweat to earn their daily bread.
lgalea
Dec 13th 2008, 15:13
"in Malta there was still a strong sense of solidarity.."
Yes, for birds of the same feather but not for the rest of the Maltese population which are considered by those birds as being children of a lesser God
Also don't forget the non-capped pension that these birds also enjoy while the remaining children of a lesser God have their pensions capped.
P Borg
Dec 13th 2008, 14:15
Quote: "He spoke on the international financial crisis noting that in Malta there was still a strong sense of solidarity"
What financial crisis? What a strong sense of solidarity?
How could we believe this when Ministers and Parliament Secreteries arbitrally increased their wages by around 6000euros annualy? Where is the Opposition, or this increase came with the silent approval of the Opposition? Shame on them!!
M Psaila
Dec 13th 2008, 13:15
Well done to all. The fact that people from different walks of life and with different political believes have been awarded is a sign of maturity.
ray pace
Dec 13th 2008, 13:06
Congratulations to all recipients, especially to Tanya Bajona.