The highlight of the activities was a concelebrated Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

The events started with a march down Republic Street by the Armed Forces of Malta band.

A guard of honour was mounted in St John’s square, which President Edward Fenech Adami inspected before the Mass, led by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca. Present was also, among others, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and AFM Commander Brigadier Carmel Vassallo.

After the Mass, President Fenech Adami laid a commemorative wreath at the foot of the Great Siege monument in the square dedicated to the historical battle.