The 75th anniversary of the Santa Marija convoy, when Malta was saved from starvation at the height of the Second World War, was commemorated with a ceremony presided by President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.
Operation Pedestal, known in Malta as the Santa Marija Convoy was a British operation to carry supplies to the island of Malta in August 1942.
Every year we gather here to commemorate the anniversary of the Santa Marija Convoy. This year is particularly special because we are celebrating the Convoy’s 75th anniversary.
In her address, Coleiro Preca said the event was of great significance in the history of our Maltese Islands, which connects us, in the most humane of ways, with other nations.
“It was on the 15th of August, 1942, when Malta and Gozo were saved. The convoy codenamed Operation Pedestal arrived in the Grand Harbour, to relieve the hardships being endured by the Maltese.
“It was thanks to the presence of these ships and their essential cargo that the people of Malta and Gozo were able to keep up their strength, until the end of the war.
“I believe that the resilience shown by the people of these islands, who endured such great struggles, should be a lesson to all of us.
“Their strength is a testament to the perseverance that was shown by our parents and grandparents, who experienced but overcame the hardships of war.
“However, we should not think of their bravery as something that only exists in our past. I believe that the lives of our ancestors are still a most compelling example, from which we can all learn.
“The experiences of conflict and violence, endured by our ancestors, are an invitation for us to consider the choices we are making, today.
“I believe that their experiences should continue to be a catalyst for us, both individually and as a nation, to make the choice to work for peace.”
