Malta Freedom Day
March 31
The Republic of Malta is a small country in the central Mediterranean that consists of
seven islands.

In 1814, Malta became a crown colony of the British empire. Under British rule, the
Maltese Islands helped the Allies during World War I.

Hundreds of Maltese served as soldiers in the British regiments, and Malta allowed the
British to use its dockyard and hospitals. Thousands of sick and wounded soldiers were
brought to Malta for treatment, thereby earning the country the title of the "Nurse of the
Mediterranean."

Malta also played an important role during World War II. The bravery its people showed
during the war led to the country being awarded the George Cross, which is now displayed on its flag. On September 21, 1964, Malta was granted independence from
Britain. On December 13 of that same year, Malta became a republic within the Commonwealth, with the President as head of state.

Although Malta gained independence in 1964, the British armed forces did not completely leave until March 31, 1979. It was at that time that the Maltese Prime
Minister, Dom Mintoff, demanded that the British either pay a higher rent for their bases
or withdraw. This freed Malta of foreign military occupation for the first time in history.
In Malta, Freedom Day is a public holiday that commemorates the day the last of the
British military left the Maltese Islands.

On this holiday, a ceremony is held at the War Memorial in Floriana. The main events of
the day take place around the Freedom Day Monument in Vittoriosa.

In the afternoon, a competitive regatta is held in Grand Harbour, where food and drink
booths are set up along the harbor.

Full story:
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Malta+Freedom+Day

Mike Dippel

--- Platinum Xpress/Win/WINServer v7.0
* Origin: The Hobby Line! BBS - hobbylinebbs.com (954:895/1)