Put it to a referendum

Judging by some of the letters in The Times, the removal of the George Cross from the flag, in the minds of many, amounts to a denial of the sacrifice and heroism of our forebears during WWII.

These letters suggest that some readers are unable to distinguish between respect, admiration and gratitude for those who lived through WWII; and the national flag which envelopes the essence of all Maltese heroism - of all time!

The George Cross is an undeniable part of our history and nothing and no one can erase or devalue the heroism, sacrifice and gallantry of the Maltese during WWII.

But that doesn't mean the George Cross should be on the Red and White.

If anyone looks at the George Cross Warrants, they will see that there are protocols and rules relating to every detailed aspect and existence of the George Cross.

See: http://www.gc-database.co.uk/decoration.htm

In fact it would probably be incorrect according to George Cross protocols to even pin it to the flag, let alone paint it on.

It would have been as inconceivable for an English king or Parliament to expect a George Cross to go on our country's flag, as to expect a Victoria Cross to go on the flag of England and St George.

In 1946, had there been a Maltese referendum, it is hard to imagine it being defeated on the question of inserting the George Cross on the flag. In those times, under our colonial masters, with the then general level of education and instilled, institutionalised colonial inhibitions, we couldn't conceive of a Maltese person flying a plane let alone of Air Malta; a Maltese currency without an English king's face let alone a Maltese euro; a Governor of Maltese birth let alone a Maltese President.

But this is 2006 and Malta is now globally recognised as an independent, mature, educated, and in every way, a vastly different country.

It is difficult to imagine how a referendum to remove the George Cross from the Red and White, thus dispelling one of the last vestiges of debilitating colonialism, could fail in 2006. If he were still alive I would bet that the poet who gave us the Maltese Anthem would vote to remove it. He wanted the flag to be just as it had always been - Red and White.

It is time for the Maltese to decide by referendum whether the appropriate pride of place for the George Cross is on the Red and White or in the museum.

I congratulate all Maltese people, young and old who are fearlessly questioning the wisdom of additions to the one true flag - The Red and White. The great poet Dun Karm would be proud of you.