For the reception marking the 50th anniversary of independence that was held at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the government failed to include in the VVIPs’ list President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami, the man synonymous with national reconciliation and human dignity as inspired by Christian values, freedom of expression, broadcasting pluralism and creation of opportunities for all.

Polish President Lech Kaczynski, in 2009, addressed Fenech Adami as follows:

“Mr President, you are a model of a political success. You have been prime minister for 16 years, president for five years and leader of the Opposition for 10 years. Every politician would like to hope for such tenure. May the life of the entire Maltese nation be as successful as your political career.”

This exceptional success – against all odds – has left and is sill leaving an imprint on our daily lives. This has been publicly acknowledged by many including Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

However, noble gestures very often come from ‘common people’ like, for instance, the man working at the restaurant across the street from Fenech Adami’s Buġibba residence, offering him a cappuccino on a quasi-regular basis over the summer months with the thought: “You have accomplished so much for us, Sir.”

Gaffes – unethical as they may be – are subdued by such beautiful gestures of appreciation and gratitude. As a Chinese proverb says: “when eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them.”

And, in the words of US President John F. Kennedy: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

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