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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 SEPTEMBER 2020 9 CULTURE BOV supports Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna's WW2 historic medals collection FONDAZZJONI Wirt Artna, in collaboration with Bank of Val- letta, have launched The His- toric Medal Chests, a collection of military medals awarded to Maltese nationals or people who served in Malta during World War II. These medal display units can be viewed by the public when visiting the Malta at War Mu- seum in Vittoriosa, Fort Rinel- la in Kalkara and the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta. The medal collec- tions are displayed according to the direct relevance to the respective museum. For exam- ple, those at the Malta at War Museum include the medals of service people who served during the 1940 – 1943 Siege of Malta. Each medal set is ac- companied by a portrait and a short biographical note about the recipient and the emblem of the Unit in which the recipi- ent saw action. Almost all med- als on display were donated by their families. Charles Azzopardi, Executive PR and Marketing at Bank of Valletta met with Mario Far- rugia, Chairman and CEO of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna for a preview of the medal collec- tion. We all know about Malta's crucial role and gallant re- sistance against great odds in World War Two and this was formally recognised by the award of the George Cross in April 1942', said Mr Farrugia. 'This collection is represent- ative of those very individuals who were at the core of that titanic struggle against the full might of the Axis.' 'Some of these medals are rare and unique and were awarded to some very extraordinary in- dividuals who faced terrible or- deals to defend their country,' continued the FWA Chairman. 'We take this opportunity to urge the public to visit the Mal- ta at War Museum, and view this new addition, among the thousands of historic artefacts there that help us understand what life was like in Malta dur- ing World War Two.' 'During the current challeng- ing times, we must not forget our past, and the tribulations our nation went through, throughout our colourful his- tory,' said Charles Azzopardi. 'Besides providing additional support to the economy and businesses during the COV- ID-19 pandemic, Bank of Val- letta has continued to support Maltese culture through its extensive Community Pro- gramme.' 'The Bank's relation- ship with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna can be traced back for a number of years, where togeth- er we have completed numer- ous historical projects. Further information about Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and its museums can be obtained through https://www.wirtart- na.org.