The prime minister and the leader of the opposition put on a show of unity this evening when they spoke from the same stage at Liesse in Valletta during the official Independence anniversary celebrations.
Simon Busuttil, who spoke first, said Malta would make leaps forward with unity.
The Independence celebrations made all feel Maltese.
Independence was the end of the road to the achievement of sovereignty and the start of a new road of development in all its areas including the political, economic and social.
The Maltese had been able to open doors for themselves even when they disagreed, because alternatives were an essential part of democracy, and also because they now recognised that even in those areas where they had disagreed, they could celebrate the choices they had made.
Today's unity, however, would be meaningless if it was not carried forward. It would achieve true meaning only if it was kept at the forefront of decision making by agreement on basic principles.
These could include the principles of democracy based on regular recourse to the ballot box at all levels, national institutions which were truly independent and properly resourced, and agreement on how the political parties functioned, an area where progress had been made.
This agreement could also encompass openness in the administration and in the protection of the environment.
And while disagreement was natural, criticism, had to be civil and made within the spirit of tolerance.
Only in that way could the lyrics of the National Anthem come true when they said: seddaq l-għaqda fost il-Maltin, u s-sliem.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told the crowd that 50 years ago, the Maltese people were divided in two currents, both wanting the best for the country. The wounds of those divisions were now healed and it was significant that they were now united.
That did not mean they would agree on everything, but the essence of democracy was to discuss, to respect and to convince.
Today's unity showed how Maltese society had evolved. What had been achieved in the past 50 years was just the start and more would be achieved in the next 50 years for as long as the people remained united and loved their country.
He was sure that would happen because he was part of a generation which would not lose time arguing on which day was most important.
The Malta of the future would be more courageous and ambitious and faster in its decision-making. It would anticipate change, not react to it.
Mata would be an oasis of economic and political stability and a source of hope for its people and those of the region.
It would recognise the challenges of economic sustainability and continue to develop while conserving the environment. The Malta of the future would continue to generate jobs and distribute wealth in a more equitable manner. It would also provide opportunities for all.
This was a new dawn for Malta for a period of rapid change.
Dr Muscat urged those present to greet those near them because this was a celebration of unity which he augured would continue for the next half century so that at the centenary celebrations, all would shout, like today, 'Viva Malta Indipendenti'.