The George Cross Island Association (GCIA) held its ecumenical and wreath-laying ceremony at the Siege Bell Monument in Valletta yesterday.

The solemn event was organised to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the award of the George Cross to Malta and in honour of those who fell in its defence during World War II.

The committee and members of the GCIA assembled in the sun, overlooking splendid views of a shimmering sea, while the poignant ceremony unfolded. AFM trumpeters sounded the Last Post, followed by a one-minute silence, a bagpipe lament and the Reveille.

President Eddie Fenech Adami led the laying of the wreaths, followed by the GCIA president, the UK High Commissioner and the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, among representatives of other associations, to the soft music of a piper.

The Siege Bell rang out and reverberated at noon and the crowd slowly dispersed.