It seems like no matter where you are in the world, there will always be a Maltese community nearby. From North America to Australia, Maltese have emigrated far and wide, and just last week,  the state of Michigan officially recognised September 19th as ‘Maltese-American Heritage Day.’

Standing in front of Michigan House of Representatives, Latino and Maltese-American representative Darrin Camilleri gave a compelling and powerful speech describing the importance of the Maltese in both world and American history.

Rep. Camilleri, who is also the first state representative of Maltese descent in Michigan’s history, goes on to highlight how during the Revolutionary War, 1800 Maltese and Knights of the Order enlisted in the French navy to fight in the war of independence.

Camilleri also goes on to highlight a rather unknown fact, that the liberty bell in Philidaphelia was recast by John Stow, formerly known as John Pace, from Malta.

He also introduced House Resolution 163 to declare Sept. 19, 2019 as Maltese American Heritage Day which was approved unanimously on the floor.

In addition to the historic decision, over 50 Maltese-Americans attended the 3^rd Annual Maltese American Heritage Day in Michigan’s capital to recognize the many rich cultural and economic contributions of Michigan’s Maltese Americans to the state and their local communities.

“Generations of Maltese Americans have chosen to make Michigan their home, and I am so proud to be one of them,” said Camilleri.

“As the first Maltese American elected to Michigan’s state house, this event is so important to me, and I’m honored to be joined by so many incredible visitors from across our state as we celebrate our heritage and what the future holds for our growing community.”

Those in attendance included notable Maltese-Americans including Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra and Judge Rosemarie Aquilina.

Camilleri also presented a tribute honouring Lou Grech-Cumbo as ‘Maltese American of the Year’. Grech-Cumbo has long served as a powerful advocate for Michigan’s Maltese community and created the Grech-Cumbo Foundation Scholarship to aid outstanding members of the Maltese American Benevolent Society in Detroit who choose to attend college or trade school.

We may be one of the smallest countries in the world but that doesn’t stop us from leaving our mark across the world… and to those Maltese in the US, Happy (late) Maltese Day!

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