Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is holding an open day at the Malta at War Museum in Vittoriosa today (George Cross Day) to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross to Malta and her people by King George VI on the same date in 1942. Malta is the only nation State to have ever received this coveted honour. This special event will be held between 10am and 5pm.

The Malta at War Museum is at Couvre Porte (Advanced Gate), Vittoriosa right under the local council’s offices. This popular museum focuses on the daily life of the Maltese and their defenders during WWII.

It comprises a thematic display on the subject made from mainly rare and unique period memorabilia; the viewing of the wartime documentary Malta G.C. and a guided tour in the vast underground air raid shelters that have recently been cleaned, reconstructed and opened to the public.

The wartime documentary film Malta G.C. will be shown throughout the day. This production is of paramount historical importance for Malta since it is the only film documentary of the war purposely produced in Malta. It was made by the Crown Film Unit in 1942 at the specific request of King George VI who wanted documented on film the great heroism and bravery shown by the Maltese and their defenders in the face of great adversity.

To mark the 65th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross to Malta, FWA is offering a reduced entrance fee to this event of Lm2 per adult and children free. Entrance and a copy of Malta G.C. on DVD will also be offered at Lm5 instead of the normal Lm8.50.