On Wednesday, 12 November, the George Cross Island Association (GCIA) Malta G.C. branch held their Annual General Meeting at the Preluna Hotel in Sliema. The six-member committee was elected for another year and an overview was given of the yearly events. The GCIA's upcoming project, a documentary regarding World War II service veterans and civilians who lived in Malta at the time, was also discussed.
Distinguished guests including the British High Commissioner H.E. Mr Rob Luke, American Ambassador H.E. Ms Gina Abercrombie Winstanley, Australian High Commissioner H.E. Ms Jane Lambert, deputy head of Mission of the Russian Federation Mr Pavel Dyukarev and Mrs Elena Dyukareva, New Zealand Honorary Consul Ms Jill Camilleri attended the ensuing annual luncheon. Peter Robinson MBE, chairman of the branch welcomed everyone and vice chairman Lino Camilleri MBE, recited the Exhortation to the fallen concluding with the words "We Will Remember Them".
After lunch the chairman had a few words to say on the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI and the 72nd anniversary of the award of the George Cross to Malta. His hope being that the interest generated in the events of WWI would spill over into renewed interest of the WWII Siege of Malta. To conclude, Association president Judge Joe Galea Debono and the branch chairman, proposed toasts to H.E. the President of Malta and the George Cross Island Association respectively.
Documentary on World War II service veterans and civilians in Malta
The GCIA was set up to commemorate those who had fallen during World War II. The GCIA Malta G.C. branch seeks to inform the younger generation on the World War II "Siege" so as to prevent such loss from happening again.
The GCIA is currently filming a documentary regarding World War II service veterans and civilians who lived in Malta during the Siege 1940 to 1943. This documentary will bring to light the recollections of those who endured the war so as to understand their everyday life during the Siege and its effects on Malta.
Should you be interested to share your experiences or to know more about this documentary send an email to [email protected]