Poignant ceremony marks Remembrance Sunday, 2008

Armistice Sunday was marked in Malta on Sunday 9th November, 2008, with a moving ceremony at the foot of the Cenotaph which saw war veterans and ex-servicemen parade behind their Colours of their associations to the applause of hundreds who attended.

The usually bustling area around the War Memorial fell silent as a saluting gun boomed a single shot to mark the Last Post, sending thoughts back to the muddy trenches of the First World War and the hunger and hardship of the Second. As the reveille was sounded, three Royal Air Force F3 Tornadoes of 111 Squadron flew overhead in a tight V Formation.

The ceremony started with Mass at St. John's Co-Cathedral, after which the veterans formed along one side of the side of the War Memorial and an Armed Forces of Malta and Police guard of honour formed up on the other. They were joined by a detachment from the Civil Protection Department, RAF ooficers from 111(F) Squadron and Sea Cadets, among others which included a team from the British Army - out in Malta on adventure training.

The AFM band drew applause as it played a number of favourites, such as "Its a long way to Tipperary" and the more sombre "They will never die", "Land of Hope and Glory" and "Abide with Me" - a prayer for God to remain present through life, through trials, and through death.

President Eddie Fenech Adami laid the first wreath of poppies, followed by the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, the Speaker and the Hon. Joe Debono Grech representing the Opposition. Wreaths were also laid by the members of the diplomatic corps, with the people applauding as they were followed by the ex-servicemen, frail but proud, medals gleaming from their chests.

Reporting by: Christopher Scicluna, editor timesofmalta.com/ Reuters - London

Video: Paul Spiteri Lucas

Additional reporting: Major Ivan M. Consiglio, AFM (Press-Media Liaison & Public Affairs Office, HQ AFM)

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