I will miss the various national holidays!

Which date is to be chosen as our National Day? The Prime Minister has opened the debate and, irrespective of whether this is a red herring or whether no National Day will be chosen, the discussion is now open – and, I daresay, long overdue. Let me therefore have my say and withdraw from the debate.

The 21st September, 13th December or 31st March are recent events which in reality have not the in-depth significance of the 8th of September.

One has to ask if the date to be chosen should reflect the history of a people and have a deep historical significance, or if it is merely an incident, a stepping-stone in its history. The above three dates are all stepping-stones.

Sette Giugno was, at most, an incident in a process and much doubt exists as to whether it owes its happening to an economic-social motivation rather than to a political one.

Of course 21st September is a great event. And all hail to the statesman Dr Giorgio Borg Olivier. For the first time in our history, Malta’s destiny was placed in the hands of the Maltese. Other considerations must however be made. Independence was, in those days, a process wanted by the colonial powers and readily granted, sometimes practically without the desire of same by the new state. In our case, practically 50 per cent of the people were against or undecided. Our path to independence was a peaceful process, all in accordance with the politics of the times: a worldwide rapid decolonisation starting in the 1950s.

One can also argue that the “Independence” obtained on 21st September is after all one of many independencies obtained throughout our history: consider the independence from the Arabs, from the Order (?), from the French. Why therefore is 21st September so different? We are a people with a long history, not just a recent one, and we must be proud of it. If we are to emphasise our recent history, why not include the date of our entry in the EU? Isn’t it a significant step? And if it is, doesn’t it overshadow the Independence, 31 March and 13 December dates of a few years before?

“Independence Day” can also be criticised in that, in our case, the ex-colonial power retained a military presence in the new nation with a practical significance, even if this did not in theory diminish our political independence.

On the other hand, the 31st March can be seen as a simple agreement whereby the military forces of the ex-colonial power left Malta – without any protest and in accordance with what had been contracted, and without therefore increasing the independence of our country.

Passing to a Republic state – 13th December is certainly not that significant. It has happened so often elsewhere without any fuss being made that in the annals of our history it deserves a mention but enjoys no recognition of real significance.

On the other hand, if one looks at the history of our country from Roman times onwards, there is no doubt that the most significant date in our history is 8th September. This date remembers the active involvement of the Maltese people in a regional and, centuries later, a worldwide conflict. This is what 8th September commemorates. Can one imagine what our future could or would have been, had the Ottoman’s 1565 siege been successful? This event is not only of local significance, as indeed are all the above other events, but has an international significance recognised by various historians. Malta was the door to Europe’s under belly in 1565. Had it fallen, European history would – one can say may – have been different. The battle of Lepanto might not have taken place six years later and a whole series of related events, which would have negatively affected Europe and the West, may well have started from that date. This is, of course, speculation, but there is no doubt that the event was one of international relevance.

The same, perhaps even more vehemently, can be said for 8th September and World War II.

The Maltese were strongly motivated and determined in the cause for which they fought in both wars – and whose victories the 8th September commemorates. In both instances, many Maltese lost their lives, were injured or passed through considerable suffering. An aspect that happily was not repeated on the other events/dates. To those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to their families we owe our gratitude and remembrance. The 8th September is such a commemoration.

These two deliverances also have a deep-rooted religious sentiment that has permeated our culture, so the celebration is therefore also a religious one.

What can be argued further is that, even during colonial times, this date has had a unifying and national significance for the Maltese people. Such a consideration must not be overlooked. Together with our language, the 8th September date forms part of our national identity.

Finally, but not insignificantly, 8th September is a date that is above contemporary party politics, or present day political personalities. It is a date that has stood and passed the test of time with flying colours. It has been accepted universally over generations and under different regimes – and as such it is a unifying date. All others with sectional backing are divisive.

The 8th September is, in my mind, the date that should be Malta’s National Day – undoubtedly, unhesitatingly and convincingly so. Let all other dates (and the able politicians who brought them to pass) receive their due mention and commemoration. And if there is no unanimous consent among all political parties, let us have a referendum and let the mature political parties allow a free vote.

One final thought: whatever date is chosen, let us keep all the other dates as public holidays!