The annual George Cross award to the nation of Malta during World War 2 will once again be held this year by the George Cross Island Association (GCIA) at the Siege Bell Monument in Valletta, next Wednesday 15th April, 2015 at 11:00hrs (guests to be seated at 10:30hrs.)

The poignant and solemn event sees an ecumenical and wreath-laying ceremony being held, to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the award of the George Cross to Malta and in honour of those who fell in its defence during World War II.

With sunny weather forecast for this whole week, the Siege Bell Monument in Valletta overlooks splendid views of a shimmering sea just at the mouth of Grand Harbour. Trumpeters from the Band of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) will sound the Last Post, followed by a one-minute silence, a bagpipe lament and the Reveille.

The President of the Republic of Malta, Mrs. Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca is expecting to lead the laying of the wreaths, followed by the GCIA president, the UK High Commissioner and Commander AFM, among representatives of other associations, to the soft music of a piper.

The Siege Bell will ring out and reverberate at noon.