Official celebrations to mark Victory Day started this morning with the laying of a wreath at the little-known memorial to Malta's World War II civilian casualties. The wreath was laid at the Addolorata Cemetery by the chairman of the National Festivities Committee. Some 1,500 civilians died in the war years between 1940 and 1943.

The official commemorations continued at the foot of the Great Siege Monument in Republic Street, Valletta, this evening. The AFM band marched from City Gate to the monument and a musico-literary evening followed. The commemorative speech was delivered by Dr Stephen C. Spiteri, Superintendent of Fortifications.

Wreaths were laid by the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, the Speaker, and Labour MP Joe Mizzi on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition.

Archbishop Paul Cremona will lead a Pontifical Mass at St John's at 10 a.m tomorrow.

The traditional regatta will be held in Grand Harbour tomorrow at 2.15 p.m.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Arta will mark the day with the firing of a full salute from the historic gun battery at the Upper Barakka Gardens at noon.

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