Updated: Honouring the war heroes

The Duke of Gloucester this morning accompanied President George Abela and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi for the George Cross Island Association Service and wreath laying ceremony at the Siege Bell memorial in Valletta.

Later today Dr Gonzi and Prince Richard, who is in Malta on his first visit, attended a tree planting ceremony at the Lower Barrakka Gardens to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and the 70th anniversary of the award of the George Cross to Malta.

This evening, the Duke attend the inauguration of the restoration of the War Memorial  in Floriana.

During the unveiling of the monument , Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said it was right and fitting to unveil the monument on the 70^th anniversary of the award of the George Cross to Malta.

It gave the people the opportunity to reflect about when at the Maltese had to go through terrible times, sacrifices, dangers, bloodshed and famine.

This was what prompted His Majesty George VI to award the George Cross to Malta.

A few months ago, the Maltese again were at the forefront to assist the Libyan people acquire their rights and accomplish their hopes, Dr Gonzi said.

He said that the restoration of the monument was witness of the enormous enterprise of restoration and regeneration Malta historic cities were currently going through.

Such restoration was taking place on the bastions, in the Three Cities, on palaces and auberges, in roads, the historic shipyards, the breakwater, the Valletta lift, gardens, fountains, entrances to cities around the ports and other areas.

The former Royal Opera House was also being transformed as part of the project at the entrance to Valletta, which would also incorporate Parliament for the Palace to serve other aims, housing museums and serving the President.

A re-enactment of the presentation of the George Cross to Malta in Palace Square, Valletta, tomorrow.

The George Cross medal is being displayed at Castille.