An air raid warning would have sent people running to shelters 69 years but this evening it was sounded in remembrance of the 1942 Santa Maria convoy, which had brought salvation to Malta in World War II.
The operation had been known as Operation Pedestal and was the largest army convoy of the war.
The Apostleship of the Sea organised the annual event attended by government and foreign dignitaries, veteran associations, war veterans and the public. It was held near Customs House in Grand Harbour.
The event included a historical narration, hymns and prayers, a gun salute by WWII re-enactors in military dress and a wreath-laying ceremony from a patrol boat at sea.