A lone soldier on duty during the fly-past of an Armed Forces of Malta plane as Malta yesterday marked Remembrance Sunday with a ceremony at the War Monument in Floriana and Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral. Photo: Jason BorgArchbishop Paul Cremona yesterday called for solidarity with war-torn Middle East as Malta joined Commonwealth countries to remember armed forces members who died in battle.
Malta yesterday celebrated two-minute-guns – also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day – with a ceremony at the War Monument in Floriana and Mass at St John’s Co Cathedral.
Remembrance Day is observed on November 11, marking the end of World War One, when hostilities formally ended “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month”.
In his homily, Mgr Cremona remembered military service, civilian and concentration camp victims of the First and Second World Wars.
He called on those present to show solidarity, just as these victims had shown solidarity with fellow sufferers while maintaining their dignity. “Today we cannot forget the ongoing blood-shedding in the Middle East. Solidarity has no boundaries and can reach everyone.”
Mgr Cremona also urged church-goers to pray for guidance in order to be instruments for peace.
Before Mass, President George Abela inspected an Armed Forces of Malta Guard of Honour and poppy wreaths were afterwards laid at the foot of the War Monument in Floriana.
Former servicemen from the Royal British Legion took part in the ceremony.
Today, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna will hold an Armistice Day Commemoration at the Saluting Battery, Valletta, at 10.50am. The two-minute guns will be fired at 11am and 11.02am.
The event will commemorate all war victims through a brief joint ecumenical service by representatives of the Catholic and Anglican churches.
Veterans from a number of associations will be present together with a contingent of serving naval personnel from HMS Dragon which sailed into Pinto Wharf yesterday afternoon.