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SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF MALTA, H.E. PROF. GUIDO DE MARCO, DURING THE INVESTITURE CEREMONY (REPUBLIC DAY) AT THE PALACE, VALLETTA – 13TH DECEMBER 2001
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13/12/2001
13/12/2001
| This Palace, this splendid hall, are an appropriate setting for the | annual celebration of the Republic. This chamber testifies a wealth of history enshrined in our identity, the hard work and dedication of our ancestors. Work is an essential and integral aspect of that identity. |
| Ours is an Island barren of all natural resources but few. Through | enterprise and accomplishment, the Maltese people have managed to forge good standards of living and a decent quality of life. We owe this to our forefathers, who battled for our rights, who believed that these rights have to be rooted in our Independence, in freedom and democracy. This was the commitment of successive generations and pertains to our beliefs. |
| We live this commitment. The undeniable accomplishments of our nation | were achieved as a result of the political direction as well as the contribution of those who have guided this country in having an inclusive and caring society. This has led us on to act as catalysts of understanding among cultures and peoples in our region. |
We are witnessing, in our region and beyond, war and conflagration. We have seen the effects of terrorism, the sufferings of peoples living under occupation, the misery of the refugees. We are losing the great potential of so many millions who would otherwise be engaged in the promotion of wealth for their benefit and that of the community and peace in the world. Instead, they are succumbing to the violence of terrorism, they are being denied of their homeland, and suffering the humiliation of fleeing their homes.
| We are fortunate enough to live in a country which is at peace with | itself and its neighbours. We thank God for this blessing. |
| The Constitution codifies our republican credentials and beliefs, | foremost the right and duty to work, the love of freedom and the respect for the fundamental human rights. |
| We were very fortunate to witness the demise of totalitarian | ideologies propounding struggles of class. Subsequently to the fall of ideological curtains, we came to recognise that whoever works is indeed a worker – whatever work he or she performs, within the parameters of a solid work ethic. |
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| Each and every one of us, with our work, contributes to the wealth of | the nation. Right through the spectrum of occupations and professions, from the highest authorities of the State to the young apprentice; the civil servant and the private sector employee; the manual labourer and the senior manager; the housewife and the IT specialist – we are all workers. We all form part of that complex mosaic which is the realm of work. |
| Through work, we increase the individual and collective wealth, we | build institutions. We work for the good of self and the community. Work is a value, a fundamental right and a fundamental duty. Through work we fulfill our dignity. |
| Last year, on this occasion I spoke of patriotism as a value that | never ages. Today, I re-affirm that belief. Work for self and country is a patriotic value. In working for higher living standards and quality of life, we are also contributing to the general betterment of society. |
| Today, the State honours members of the community who have | contributed in a significant manner towards the intellectual and material wealth of this country and its people: the politician, the entrepreneur and investor, the accomplished surgeon and the trade unionist, the civil servant and the worker in the voluntary field. Those who are being decorated today are only representatives of the many others who are equally worthy, through their dedication to work and love of country. |
| There is a particular decoration that we are awarding today. But the | person who is the recipient of this honour is not here to share with us this occasion. I am referring to Police Constable Roger Debattista who is being honoured posthumously for bravery. He lost his life in the course of his duties, in the defense of law and order, in the defense of others. |
| "No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his | friends." (John 15:13) |
| We render homage to heroism. We believe that valour and courage are | values intrinsic to civilisation. In honouring P.C. Debattista, we are also honouring the daily acts of courage that many a worker makes in the course of his duties. |
| This magnificent hall, witness to many an important event in our | history, is indeed an appropriate backdrop to the people we are honouring today. |
| The Republic is appreciative of their work and recognises in their | actions the principles we embrace, the values we uphold. |
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