Malta yesterday marked the passing of four patriots killed during the Sette Giugno uprising in 1919, sparked off by huge rises in the cost of living, particularly due to the increase in the price of bread, and unheeded calls on Britain to grant Malta self governance.
In his speech during the remembrance ceremony held at the Sette Giugno Monument in St George’s Square, Valletta yesterday, Speaker of the House Anton Tabone said that it was Malta’s duty to mark Remembrance Day because it commemorated the achievements of past generations of Maltese people.
He appealed for all generations making up the population to put emphasis on Maltese patriotism as it reflected the country, and its people’s past.
Speaking about parliament itself, Mr Tabone said that a sense of cooperation did exist, and that in the majority of cases, there is agreement between the two parties. However, he said, there was also a need for more respect towards the institution, particularly in attendance levels and the need for change to ensure more efficiency and professionalism.
He said that since Malta joined the European Union, parliament had a more important role than it has ever had before. He also said that in the majority of cases, unanimous decisions are reached, in spite of the fact that modern legislation is becoming more and more complicated.
He did, however, appeal for a change in mindset to bring about reciprocal respect between members of parliament. Mr Tabone said that his speech contains a common element every year, in that parliament must evolve and keep up with today’s ever changing world. He said that despite the fact that this legislature was now in its final year, no one should sit on their laurels because life dictates other wise.
He also praised the move to create the Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly, the secretariat of which will be hosted in Malta. The second meeting of this body will be held in November this year.
Mr Tabone concluded his speech by appealing once again for historical events such as Sette Giugno to keep being observed, appreciated and taught to children so that future generations will be conscious of the hard work and pain that our fathers went through for Malta’s freedom and sovereignty.
Following the speaker’s speech, the Sette Giugno activity continued with the playing of the Last Post by the Police Band and the laying of wreaths by Speaker Anton Tabone, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, leader of the Opposition Alfred Sant and other political representatives and organisations.
The activity came to an end with the Maltese National Anthem and the Police march along Republic Street. The official programme of activities was organised by the National Feasts Committee within the Maltese Council for Culture and Arts and the Ministry for Culture and Tourism.