It was De Valette who saw the Knights of Malta and the Maltese through the Siege of 1565, also known as the First Siege of Malta, and it was befitting that his statue was not only erected but also placed in the rightful place near the church of Our Lady of Victory. De Valette himself placed the foundation stone of this church which was also the first building in the construction of Valletta.
The Second World War included the Second Siege of Malta. This was announced by Benito Mussolini on June 10, 1940. The Italians and Germans heavily pounded us by day and by night. Just during the month of April 1942, 7,000 tons of bombs were dropped on this small island.
On April 15, 1942, King George VI awarded the George Cross to the people of Malta in recognition of their gallantry. The ceremony took place on September 13, 1942 at St George’s Square in Valletta.
On June 20, 1943, King George VI visited Malta. The Royal Warrant of December 28, 1943 authorised the new armorial bearings of Malta, which included the George Cross. Later on the George Cross was also incorporated in the Maltese flag.
On September 8, 1944, Malta’s National Day, a marble tablet bearing the King’s message that accompanied the awarded George Cross was fixed to the facade of the Palace, Valletta. On April 15, 2012 – 70 years later – this event was re-enacted and celebrated as a remembrance of the recent past. But where do we have a statue of King George VI? And if there had to be one where would it be placed? Where else but at St George’s Square, at the top of the Main Guard facing the Presidential Palace, and situated where the British Coat of Arms is located while shifting the latter at the top, a step higher as this building is ‘stepped’.
What an occasion it would be for Queen Elizabeth II – his daughter – to inaugurate the event. All this should be sponsored by the President. Thus honour would be given to the late King George VI who was entwined with the history and the people of Malta – who recognised our contribution of courage for freedom in collaboration with the UK and the allies in Europe and across the Atlantic.