Malta is today celebrating the 35th anniversary since it became a republic.
Official celebrations started with an Armed Forces of Malta march along Republic Street to St George’s Square in Valletta, where a parade was held.
Following the parade, an investiture and medal-giving ceremony took place at the Grand Council Chamber at the Palace in Valletta.
President George Abela presided over the ceremony for the first time, appointing John Joseph Aquilina and Shaun Wallis honorary officers of the National Order of Merit and Marie Therese Camilleri Podesta, Miriam Cauchi, Johann de Bono, Charles Magro, Victor Muscat and Francis J. Vassallo, members.
James Muscat was awarded the medal for bravery and Martin Borg, Gaetano Buttigieg, Lucienne Cachia, Aaron Ciantar, Carmelo Debono, the Intensive Therapy Unit, Alfred Palma, John Portelli, Joyce Pullicino and Donat Spiteri the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Rupubblika.
Dr Abela paid tribute to Malta’s first President Sir Anthony Mamo, who passed away last year, and to other former presidents and acting presidents.
He said that the sense of nationhood could develop further if the Maltese concentrated on characteristics that identified them as Maltese, such as the language, traditions, culture, beliefs, values, industriousness and love of family, rather than concentrating on differences.
Dr Abela said that Europe had a long tradition in Christian roots and these should remain an important value.
“Although it is accepted that there be separation between State and Church, this does not mean that we should abandon our traditional Christian values and replace them with a void.
“Consequently, although we insist on the protection of the freedom of religion and freedom of expression, this does not mean that Europe should forsake its traditional culture and transform itself into a continent deprived of its soul for the sake of political correctness without direction.
“Man and respect for human rights are central to Christianity and it is therefore not easy to comprehend how this faith, on which European culture is built, or its symbols, may in any way be considered as infringing human rights as was recently declared.”
The President said he believed it was time for political forces in Malta to consider the proposal of the setting up of a Council of State which would include, among others, the President of the Republic in office, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and former Presidents who, even though no longer in office, could offer their long experience for the common good of Maltese society. The Council of State, whose role would be consultative, could assist in the debate of various matters that arose from time to time.
The Labour Party held a separate ceremony at the foot of the monument in December 13 Road.