What innovative mind decided to dress the olive trees around the War Memorial in Floriana with dancing Christmas lights? Does this budding Philippe Starck of lighting design not realise that the memorial and its surrounds are but a constant reminder of those who fought and died in defence of this island?

The whole idea of a memorial is as a place of prayer and quiet contemplation and to remind people of the horrors of war. That is the significance of that stone column. Those olive trees and bay bushes are there as a symbol. They signify peace, gratitude and honour not merriment and fun.

Can you imagine the furore it would cause were this to be The Cenotaph in London or The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier in Paris?

What next? Christmas lights around the perimeter of Addolorata Cemetery? Fairy lights on the graves of the departed perhaps?

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