Malta, one of the oldest centers of human civilization, already had a history dating back thousands of years by the time they joined the growing Roman Empire. They were a focal point of religious ceremonies by the fourth millennium BC, and at various points in their history were populated by Arabs, Normans, the “Knights of Malta” and others. Foreign influence came and went, but Malta remained quintessentially Maltese, still retaining a fierce independence and self-reliance. When the country joined the British empire, it was a voluntary move; their independence a century and a half later was just as easily obtained.

On this day, September 21, in 1964, Malta separated itself from the British, declaring independence after a round of intense negotiations. They still agreed to recognize the ruling power of Queen Elizabeth II, as represented by a local Governor-General.

Malta was a critical military base for the Allies in WW II, and Germany tried desperately to capture the island. A frontal assault was out of the question: Malta hung tough against countless air raids and naval bombardments. So Hitler decided to lay siege to the island and starve the populace out. The British incurred no small amount of losses in defending Malta, but their ultimate triumph is marked today by the small Cross of St. George that is represented on the upper left side of the Flag of Malta.