Originally, the theme 'Strength and honour' reminded me of the strength and resilience of the Knights of St. John and the Maltese men during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565 was a defining moment in Mediterranean history. Facing an overwhelming Ottoman force estimated at 30,000 to 40,000 troops, the roughly 6,000 defenders, including Knights and local militia, endured a brutal four-month siege. Under the unwavering leadership of Grand Master Jean Parisot de La Valette, they held firm against relentless assaults, employing tactical ingenuity like hidden artillery and defensive barricades of barrels filled with stones, mattresses, and rope. Despite staggering casualties and immense hardship from hunger, disease, and constant bombardment, their indomitable will to resist and the timely arrival of European reinforcements in September 1565 forced the demoralized Ottomans to withdraw.
This heroic defense shattered the perception of Ottoman invincibility, secured Malta's fate, and became an enduring symbol of courage and perseverance against impossible odds.