I understand Norman E. Grech's frustration about the inclusion of the George Cross in our national flag.

I tend to believe that the George Cross was never meant to be part of our flag. Somebody however started the trend and it caught on. Both the independence and republic constitutions confirmed this. So there is nothing much one can do about it.

I wrote similar letters like Mr Grech a few years ago. The reaction then was much more vociferous, nearly all condemning my suggestion (the removal of the George Cross) as something approaching treachery.

This medal has been rewarded to more than 400 individuals and groups. The latest recipient was a British soldier stationed in Basra (Iraq) in 2003.

I admit that the George Cross gives a sort of character to our flag when one sees it fluttering in the various venues where Malta participates. However, it is ironic that our flag, instead of carrying its namesake (the Maltese Cross), bears a British war medal.