An unveiling ceremony in memory of the American soldiers, sailors and marines who fought to preserve Malta’s freedom during the Second World War was held today at the Upper Barrakka Gardens by the Armed Forces of Malta together with the Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts USA. Inaugurated by the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Carmelo Abela, and Captain, Domenic A. Previte, the service of American soldiers during one of the darkest episodes of mankind was commemorated.

In his address, Minister Carmelo Abela highlighted the optimum bilateral relations between Malta and the United States. Both countries are close partners on regional issues involving North Africa, Europe and U.S. He stated that foreign assistance to Malta currently provides for International Military Education and Training funding which includes foreign military financing grants and other defense assistance allowing for the acquisition of U.S. security related equipment, services and training.

Mr Abela said that the United States is one of AFM’s  strategic training partners. He noted that  in the past two years 20 soldiers  have enhanced their specialised capabilities in military academies in the U.S. In the coming year another 9 AFM members will have this opportunity.  Similarly, in the last two years another 150 AFM members have strengthened their military career prospects in more than 20 different countries. This training overseas was made possible thanks to an investment of more than €660,000. 

He stated that one of the areas that Maltese soldiers are trained for in the U.S. is the aviation sector.  “The aviation skills learnt were surely put into good practice” said Minister Abela while remarking that in 2015 the AFM fixed-wing aircraft have flown more than 50,000 nautical miles.AFM pilots were involved in more than 550 border-related missions, nearly 300 of which were under the auspices of Frontex Operation Triton.

Minister Abela noted with respect the direct contribution that the U.S. government made to our islands by providing maritime platforms such as therecent donations of Defender Class Boats the P05 and P06 among other equipment and the past provisions of Protecter ClassBoats P51 and P52. These boats serve not only the local population but also contribute to the peace and security in the region.

He concluded by saying that the relationship between the United States of America and Malta paid honour to the memory of those US servicemen who gave their lives for future generations to flourish.

During the event, it was recalled how, during this period, Malta, due to its strategic position between Gibraltar and Alexandria and Italy and Libya, ended up as one of the most bombarded places with more than 14,000 bombs dropped, killing more than 15,000 civilians and destroying more than 30, 000 buildings.