Description
This is the historic speech delivered by Sir Anthony Mamo just moments after he was sworn-in as Malta’s first President.
He is seen on the Palace balcony, addressing a large crowd gathered in St George’s Square in Valletta.
On 13 December1974, the country’s constitution was revised, transforming Malta from a Commonwealth Realm to a Republic within the Commonwealth.
The change meant that The Queen was no longer Malta’s head of state and her Governor-General, Sir Anthony Mamo, became President.
The anniversary of the creation of the Republic of Malta is marked every year as a national holiday.
The serving President of Malta presents honours and awards to those who have served Malta and are deemed to be worthy representatives of the country.
A fireworks display is usually held over the Grand Harbour and a traditional Trooping the Colour parade takes places in St George’s Square.
The salute is taken by the President, as the commander-in-chief of Malta’s armed forces.
