Former and serving soldiers listened attentively to an allegorical homily comparing them to David who fought Goliath in a thanksgiving Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta marking the Armed Forces of Malta’s 40th anniversary.
Standing on the tombstones commemorating the knights who defended the island, members of the congregation nodded in agreement as Gozo Bishop Mario Grech said the army was like David who defeated his stronger opponent. Goliath, he preached, represented the natural and human elements, which soldiers often fought while citizens were comfortably asleep.
Among the dignitaries present were Acting President Anton Tabone, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Speaker Michael Frendo, AFM commander Brigadier Martin Xuereb and Police Commissioner John Rizzo.
Brig. Xuereb’s predecessors, Brigadier Carmel Vassallo and Brif. Rupert Montanaro, were among the army veterans present. They represented the Royal Malta Artillery, the Royal Engineers Malta and the King’s Own Malta Regiment.
Concelebrating with Mgr Grech were army chaplain Fr Joe Meli, his predecessors Fr Lawrence Zammit and Fr Vicgeorge Vassallo, police chaplain Fr Ray Bonnici and prison chaplain Fr Franco Fenech.
In another ceremony at Luqa Barracks later in the day, 38 soldiers were awarded long and efficient service medals.
Speaking during the ceremony, the first since he assumed command, Brig. Xuereb praised the recipients’ performance and dedication to duty, pointing out that the medals were testimony to the service rendered by the recipients, two of whom have served for 30 years.
As part of the AFM’s anniversary celebrations, an open day will be held at Mġarr harbour today starting at 11 a.m. It will feature aerial rescue displays and a fast ship-boarding and search-seizure demonstration. A similar activity will be held at Luqa Barracks tomorrow.
Forty years ago to the day yesterday, soldiers serving under the British Empire’s flag were handed over to the Maltese government, forming the Malta Land Force, composed of the Royal Malta Artillery, the Royal Engineers Malta and the King’s Own Malta Regiment.
When the MLF launched its maritime and air units, it became known as the Armed Forces of Malta, which incorporates the First, Third and Fourth regiments, the maritime squadron and the air wing.