Long live the cross

I read with great sadness the letter entitled The Flag Debate (March 28). It was typical of the many letters appearing in the press as of late which called for the removal of the George Cross from our flag and a return to the red and white flag said to date back to the time of Count Roger.

In that letter the writer asked which flag better represents and transcends Malta's history: one that is red and white or one that is red and white but contains a representation of the George Cross.

Judge for yourselves.

A flag that is divided vertically into red and white bars with the white against the flagpole is known the world over as the nautical flag representing the letter "H". This flag signifies that the vessel flying it has a pilot aboard. If Malta were to opt for this flag it would be sharing it with this maritime use. Not a very inspiring prospect to say the least.

Put the George Cross on that flag however and you have something unique in the world.

The George Cross was awarded not to any one individual but to the entire civilian population of Malta. Its award was unprecedented. It was awarded "...to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history".

Unfortunately it seems people have shorter memories than King George credited them with.

The George Cross was won by the whole of the civilian population of Malta in the war years up to 1942. It was an award won by people like my wife's grandfather who lost his life shepherding others into an air-raid shelter during a bombing attack. It was won by ordinary people like my grandparents, my parents and their peers who suffered through years of bombing, starvation and disease steadfast in the belief that good must ultimately triumph over evil.

One look at that cross on the flag and I'm reminded of the sacrifices made by our ancestors and that the life we are living today is the direct result of their resolve.

Long may that cross appear on our flag to inspire future generations of Maltese.