Pride in the George Cross (1)

The letter by Rosanne Spiteri Cutajar (July 26) caused extreme pain and anger to me and other Maltese, British and Commonwealth citizens who lost members of their families and friends in defence of Malta and the rest of the free world. Because that is what the George Cross on our national flag is all about - a permanent demonstration by the British and Commonwealth peoples of our gallantry and a tangible show of gratitude for our forefathers' efforts and martyrdom during World War II.

Ms Spiteri Cutajar wants the George Cross removed from our flag and she wants it done at once as she claims that it is a reminder of foreign rule and also because King George was not Maltese. She claims that young people agree with her and she demonstrated a desire to see the eight pointed cross replace it, as if the Knights of St John were Maltese.

Somebody needs to teach her a lesson or two about our glorious past and what patriotism is all about.

She has no difficulty in accepting the eight pointed cross and no problem with the flag without the George Cross. It appears to me that Ms Spiteri Cutajar is unaware that our red and white flag based on the Hauteville colours was given to us by Count Roger who in 1172 invaded Malta for the second time and placed the islands under strict Norman domination under the charge of a Norman governor.

Maybe if our forefathers had not done their part and had lost the war, the likes of Ms Spiteri Cutajar would not have to endure the discomfort of seeing the George Cross on our flag but would have had to wave a flag with a Swastika or the symbol of Fascism on it whether they liked it or not.