“I love my country with all my heart, and wish every success to members of Parliament in their work for our little island,” President Emeritus Sir Anthony Mamo was quoted as having told Malta Labour Party leader Alfred Sant when the latter visited him on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of Republic Day, being celebrated today.

An MLP statement said that Sir Anthony has vivid memories of the events of 13 December 1974. He recalls that it was a rainy and cold day, and that his wife had been drenched while he had inspected the Guard of Honour. For him, it was the most important day of his life.

Dr Sant said that the visit to Sir Anthony was the way in which the MLP wanted to honour the first President and recognise his work for the country. Dr Sant presented Sir Anthony with a book about the Maltese Parliament.

Sir Anthony Mamo was born in Birkirkara in January 1909, and graduated as a lawyer in 1934. He joined the public service two years later and in 1942 began working in the Attorney General’s Office. He became Attorney General in 1955.

Two years later he was appointed Chief Justice and he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1959.

On 3 July 1971 he became the first Maltese to become Governor General and later, on 13 December 1974, he became Malta’s first President, a position he occupied until 26 December 1976.