The true colours of the flag of Malta

Joseph Vella

Sep 3rd 2009, 17:08

Clarity of though was never a virtue for the many respondents who took issue with Norman Grech’s carefully worded posting, warning others not to mistake the forest for its trees. In conjunction with William P Flynn, whose own superb articulation and analysis are second to none, their combined attempt to distill the confusion which obscures the realities behind Gort’s hijacking of our traditional colors, seems not to be understood by many, who out of sentiment rather than logic turn stone deaf when shown irrefutable evidence of wrongdoing. The sole issue in contention does not concern bravery under fire, but focuses instead on whether Gort had the legal prerequisites to alter the flag without official approval from the empowered Maltese authorities, even as the GC flag version was decades later approved thru a constitutional amendment. The question demands a straight “yes” or “no” answer, without recourse to obfuscation, by either side of the polarizing equation. Better yet the Maltese people deserve to be heard on a matter of this magnitude. The best solution is to call for a referendum, allow the majority to decide without acrimony, as befits the dignity of an independent nation. So be it.

Norman E Grech

Sep 1st 2009, 12:08

I have every right to an opinion and my intention was never to hurt anyone's sentiment!!! So whoever wishes to contribute on this subject, keep to the subject!! The subject is OUR MALTESE FLAG... it is OK that we don't agree.. we can agree to disagree... that is what mature civilised adults do!!! I can foresee that in time the people will somehow have a say in this matter... and so be it. I wish good health to everyone!!!

Norman E Grech

Sep 1st 2009, 12:07

Tolerance for the opinion of others is zero!!!

BASIC FACTS!!!

1. I did not chose to include that flag along with my letter
2. I have nothing against the Brits!!! I have many british friends! If the GC was italian , French or of any other nationality, I would argue the same way. I have repeated this ad naseum, but certain people insist of over-looking this fact... why?
3. This cause is NON POLITICAL... and is NOT ABOUT HISTORY!!! it is about OUR FLAG.... FLAG..... FLAG...... wonder how many times I have to repeat this!!!
4.I publicly DETEST all those nasty comments I have received by sms, and messages on Facebook!!! Isn't this a free country? Am I not allowed to voice my opinion? in a democratic way? Why do sad and hateful people resort to nasty personal coments?

Joseph Vella

Aug 31st 2009, 00:25

Why the hesitancy to hold a referendum as a way to resolve this contentious moral issue for all times. It appears that both sides of the long debate are talking past each other, rather than prove their case based on objective historic evidence.

The pro GC side sees nothing but a symbolic British token of gratitude, recognition for Malta’s bravery during the Axis aerial bombardment, the many lives and property lost to the ravages of a vicious war. They care not in the unilateral manner Malta’s traditional flag was defaced by a foreign Governor General, without due authorization from the Maltese government, then in office.

The con GC side is appreciative of the British recognition of Maltese valor, but insist the medal’s image should not have soiled Malta’s flag of antiquity. Their main focus is to question Lord Gort’s real intent, legal right to usurp our ancient colors with a contemptuous disregard for process of law, in line with Malta’s constitution or its elected government.

Neither side appears to be cognizant of what the other’s main points are, as is clearly apparent by the circuitous nature of the debate. Let the people’s voice decide, as befits their hard earned independence.

Ruby Jenner

Aug 30th 2009, 15:20

Here we go again, the same old anti-Briish comments. We are all Europeans, yes the past hasn't alway's been kind but let's move on. Maybe the Times could do a poll on the subject of the George Cross and the flag of Malta.

Joe Xuereb (decades' 50 years UK resident)

Aug 30th 2009, 13:15

It was only a monarch that awarded the George Cross. Why am I not a monarch? Point taken people? Who in their right mind would want to be king other than in a Brothers Grimm Kids' story book with pictures?
Over the years I have noticed a trend in Malta, that of demonising Turkey every and any time it is mentioned. All based on the 'memory' of the Great Siege in 1565. I ask you!! Nationalism and jingoism is alive and kicking in dear old Malta.

Kelly Spiteri (Aussie/Maltese)

Aug 30th 2009, 11:09

@DAVID REILING SO WHAT DO WANT A MEDAL OR WHAT OR MAYBE WE SHOULD THROW A PARTY and celebrate the british are still on our side even after all the negative comments about their for ever whinging.. i can still remember a few years back in Aussie, i could clearly see banners saying> Bash a Pommie a Day< when the immigrats where disembarking from the passenger's ships, maybe its Aussie humour, but i at the time didn't think it was funny, and the authorities soon put an end to it. Ofcourse the British are welcome no problem. we all moan but some more then others maybe its the hot weather or not getting value for their sterling, and i don't blame them really cause its not all rosey in Malta now is it. My comment is nether here nor there, bit confusing really isn't, but thats the idea - more comments ! Kelly Spiteri Malta/NSW

G.Debono

Aug 30th 2009, 10:20

Norman Grech
"Leave the flag in its purity"

No man - its not pure at all. With your same reasoning, count roger (a foreigner) gave us the flag a millenium ago. So your argument about removing the GC and the flag becoming pure fails the test.

Now please don't come telling us that we don't know if it was Count Roger or not who gave us the flag because there is alot of flok that substitiate that but nothing on the other hand which does not. One easily comes to the conclusion that people like you and another one in australia, only problem, is not the purity of the Maltese flag really, but your hatred toward the GC and anything that has a far resemblence to Britain. Actually you people remind me so much of Zimbabwe's Mugabe and his problem toward foreigners.

Flynn, USA saved Britain ? As I already told you before, dont be so sure, Britain withstood the war when USA was occupied elsewhere (in manpower) and the Russians were giving a very good beating to the Nazis. USA's contribution was more in saving Europe from becoming Russian/communist terrirtory rather than save us from the Nazis (manpower wise)

Carmel Attard

Aug 30th 2009, 05:07

Yes the G.C. is a reminder of British colonialism ..of how we were treated in time of need!! May I add , British decisions of the Past are today's Peril, Palestine ..Whom, the British even today have abondoned, This land they had liberated from the Ottomans, with the ability of the Arabs and Sir Lawrence. What did the Arabs get for it ...A big kick in the face!! Their land taken away and given to their Friends. What happened in India ..transormed it into Pakistan and Bangaladesh ..what do we have today?? They're at eachother's throat armed with Nukes!!!

Carmel Attard

Aug 30th 2009, 05:02

The G.C. is more or less a symbol, of how much a better people we are than the Brits themselves, I am refering to Sir W.Churchill and his cronies, who thrown the Maltese to the Wolves, left us unarmed and vulnerable .in the face of a Mighty enemy. The reminder of how insinuating Churchill was when he declared us as an insinkable aircraft Carrier ..so to use us as bait and fodder!! Yes the G.C. is a reminder of British colonialism ..of how we were treated in time of need!!

Carmel Camilleri

Aug 30th 2009, 00:39

"To honour her brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history." This is what King George VI had to say upon bestowing the cross on the whole nation of Malta in April 1942.

If this does not meet your approval so be it, but please do not try to impose your views on people like me. I am proud that my parents were recognised by this award for the hardship they endured during the second great siege. My eldest Son served with the British Army in Iraq and I am very proud that he, like my father in WW2, was decorated with medals as witness to his contribution to erase tyranny from this world. I am sure that this is more useful than sitting at a desk trying so hard to erase a part of our national history from the minds of the Maltese people.

james davis

Aug 30th 2009, 00:19

@joseph vella. I take it you are refering to me when you address James David. Please my surname is DAVIS. Get it right.

If you are elected as Mr Flynns' spokesman say so. But if he has the right to attack the memory of British servicemen then surely i have the right to defend them.

There is no anger on my part - only disappointment at people like you, Mr Flynn and Mr Grech all of whom tend to have anti-British sentiments that despite all the good that was done for Malta GC still feel it necessary to desecrate the memory of those that defended us with their lives - shame on you

Joe Xuereb

Aug 29th 2009, 23:56

It is only a flag. Not worth getting heated under the collar for nationalistic reasons. Not very healthy, that.
If I helped a famous author's child and s/he, the author, gave me a signed copy of his autobiography as recognition I would put it on a shelf to gather dust. Maybe, just maybe, I might point out to visitors, 'see, signed by the author him/herself'. Big deal! The people that know me, the ones that matter to me, would know me for the brave deed in question, maybe not, and other qualities. I will have their respect and that is good enough for me. Most others
would never have heard of the author, his/her work.......and as for his/her all-important autogragh, well......
Ms Bayes, you are not suggesting that the George Cross represents Malta's freedom of speech, are you? Which we wouldn't have but for the medal? I think a medal in a glass case is more than enough. The rest is by word of mouth. Should be enough. It is more than good enough for me. It's only a flag. Malta does flags like some people do fireworks. Nice but meaningless at day's end. Jingoism lives. And it needn't.

james davis

Aug 29th 2009, 23:47

@ wenzu vella. How very unknowlegeable you are about history - about the history of your country. Do you think that had Malta been neutral we would not have been invaded by the nazis and the facsists?

Please learn your history before you talk.

W Spencer

Aug 29th 2009, 22:53

@ William P Flynn

Your first paragraph makes no sense at all. Air-Brushing means to ' rub out ', and I have never advocated removing anything from the Maltese National Flag.

Plus, I am not English. Its very silly to assume someones nationality by their surname.

Joe Busuttil

Aug 29th 2009, 22:28

The GC on our flag is not anything about being servile,but it shows the gallantry of the Maltese. I was at a war museum in the UK recently and a senior citizen ,when he found out that I was Maltese exclaimed that "you were very brave." Now I was born in 43 but I still felt proud at that moment to be Maltese. Does anyone feel ashamed to be be recognised as being gallant and brave?

William P Flynn

Aug 29th 2009, 22:06

@Mrs Borg

As Galea L says the flying of foreign flags is another illegality which we allow to wash over us. No foreign flag should be flown in Malta or any other country except under certain clear and simple protocols.
The reason people do it is ignorance or disrespect and, most of all...we let them and say nothing. Mrs Borg can you imagine your neighbours if someone flew a foreign flag without also flying the Stars and Stripes in your street?

The Maltese Flag should be above or to the right of any foreign flag flown on Maltese soil, or ship or vehicle.

Maltese hospitality shouldn't be abused by foreign guests.

How does the saying go? We will get the level of respect and decorum we accept.....if we accept disrespect; we'll get it.

Carmel Camilleri

Aug 29th 2009, 21:54

I was to say the least, amazed at the fact that a handful of Maltese people have taken the liberty of portraying themselves as the representatives of the Maltese nation. I have always been taught that looking at our past will help us to secure a better future. Remembering the award of the George Cross to Malta is a constant reminder that we should always cherish freedom and stand up to tyranny. Many Maltese, like myself, not only are not bothered with the GC on the Maltese flag, but they our proud of the efforts and sacrifices of our fathers so that we could live in freedom and peace.

As for those who feel ashamed to fly the present national colours and would wish to fly a simple flag in white and red they are free to do so; then everyone will know that they 'have a pilot on board'.

Pule' Carmel

Aug 29th 2009, 21:52

Do I have to associate a meaning to the fact that the chosen photograph shows the Maltese flag flying at half mast?

Let us solve this with logic. You cannot know what is right, unless you know what is wrong.

A priest who was immoral once said, that if he was moral absolutely, and never sinned, then he would be sinning anyway for being too proud of his virtue.

King George donated his cross for our Virtues in Gallantry, but never meant it to be placed on our flag. Considering the virtues and intensions of the Englishman who suggested that the cross should be placed on our flag, was he thinking in praising our gallantry or was he taking the opportunity in attracting attention to himself and taking the opportunity to praise his own king to get a better post somewhere in the Empire? We are all humans after all!!!
With the cross on the flag who is praised, us or the king? while the proposer got the wanted attention at the time! And so did the king!
Propositions attract attention to the person who makes them, politicians get voted in for the propositions they make!!

Galea. L

Aug 29th 2009, 21:19

Fiona Borg (US/Maltese)
Flying foreign flags except on embassies and while foreign dignitaries are visiting on government buildings etc is unlawful.

wally vella-zarb

Aug 29th 2009, 21:12

Can someone please tell me who elected Gerry Cowie umpire? He seems to have this fixation about 'shouting'; perhaps somewhere there is a virtual hearing aid that is turned way too high for comfort? Delusions of grandeur, maybe?

Gerry Cowie

Aug 29th 2009, 19:55

It is time for the shouting minority on this subject to get themselves elected in Malta, by popular vote, and then take the country forward into a referendum to decide on this issue.
The thing is, judging by these blogs, is that those who are praised for their stance often let themselves down in the way they try to knock the opinions of others, telling them, from thousands of miles away, to "butt out" of the argument etc, as we have seen so often here.
The Maltese in Malta are those whose decision it is to change their flag, though I am still convinced that the majority do not have any problem with it.
Just supposing the people of Malta said that they would like to keep the flag with the George Cross on it? What would those with huge planks on their shoulders say then?
Why is it only a few "shouting" people who are making such a fuss?
Witness the war of words below - and maybe above - and ask yourself whether those who can't seem to treat this subject in an adult fashion can really convince other people?
I make no suggestions about the flag itself.

Joseph Vella

Aug 29th 2009, 17:24

@ James David.

I am appalled by the increasing anger, shrill, incivility aimed at those who promote the return of the one and only Maltese flag, which served our nation well for almost a millennium. The vampire like taste for blood is for the largest part directed at William .P. Flynn a man of conscious, whose clarity of reason, superb articulation, far exceeds the collective contributions of lesser mortals whose aim is to vilify his standing, rather than engage him on merit.

This form of acrimonious debate bodes ill for Malta, in that measured disputes take a back seat to uncivilized discourse on matters of vital importance. Whether others agree or disagree with Flynn's solid formulated arguments in opposition to the GC’s imposition on Malta’s traditional flag is not the issue. As a Maltese born national, he has equal rights to make known his position, without suffering impairment to his dignity.

The GC controversy goes beyond the desecration of Malta’s traditional flag.. It includes related issues of legality, open disdain for established procedures, constitutional violations, and a clarion call for remedial action through referendum. No respectable citizen can ignore to be heard, on a question of Malta's true national identity.

GiovDeMartino

Aug 29th 2009, 15:47

I have just received Issue 9, volume 5 of Malta at War. Have a look at this publication and you'll understand better why we were awarded the George Cross. And how we deserved it.

wenzu vella

Aug 29th 2009, 15:42

I shall repeat as usual those who wants to keep the GC on our Maltese flag SHOULD BE ASHAMED.
As for David Reiling, you sir, don't seem to know what you are talking about. We the Maltese where helping you not you helping us. Without your military bases in Malta, Malta would have never been a target for the nazis. Last but not least to you and Janet Bayes I say mind your own business and stay out of this argument. The GC was given to us the Maltese because of the sacrifices we endured to help the you the Brits and I for one was one of those who suffered not only by what we had to put up with, but also for the loss of my 10 very close relatives.
The WHITE & RED should remain as it always stood for centuries, without any foreign interference.

\Norman E Grech

Aug 29th 2009, 15:34

:-))))) just seen comments on my letter!!! It's amazing!! Mr W Spencer!! What ? Are we Maltese not allowed to comment on OUR flag? You remind me so much of the old fashioned British arrogance!!! I am sure you put shame on Brits with an open mind!!! Why do you resort to saying to Mr Wally Xella Zarb... 'lack of good manners'?? You are yet again missing the whole point... This is the conditioning I am talking about!!!! I can assure you that I have many British friends who totally agree with me on this subject!!!! I repeatedly said that I have nothing against the British!!! If the George Cross was Italian, French or of any other nationality, I would have said that same thing!!!! If you must comment, I suggest you concentrate on the subject at hand.... In good time... In good time...

victor pulis

Aug 29th 2009, 15:32

How about removing the eight pointed knights' cross from the livery of our national airline and our national maritime flag? The eight pointed cross is as foreign as the george cross yet it is used to the point of overkill in almost everything maltese. Aren't there more serious and urgent matters to argue about than a medal on a flag? Do you think that the majority of maltese give a hoot about something that does not effect their lives and their love for malta?
@ David reiling
It is true that arms and provisions were supplied by the British during the war but the courage shown by the maltese was inbred. If it hadn't been for the support of the maltese which made up the bulk of the military malta would not have held out. Just like the knights' defeat at rhodes when they did not have the support of the local population britain would have lost malta.

William P Flynn

Aug 29th 2009, 15:17

@MayDVella

Would you sacrifice the tradition of the oldest Flag on earth for aesthetics?

How would you like someone to "give" your home facade a new colour without consulting you while you were busy saving your life - as in hospital seriously hurt in a car accident or something? That's how we got the GC on the flag while we were dodging bombs and starving.
Graffiti is "given" too. But you don't want it on your walls.

The Flag's beauty IS its simplicity which fills your mind, heart and soul with such a magnificent diversity of wonderful emotions.

William P flynn

Aug 29th 2009, 15:05

W.Spencer says W.Vella-Zarb is rude and N.Grech shouldn't "air-brush" the GC from the Maltese Flag. But thinks it's OK for an Englishman to "air-brush" the GC on our Flag without consulting one single,solitary Maltese person.

Gort shamefully defaced the oldest Flag on Earth; and to our own shame we continue to parade a defaced Flag unknown to our own war dead. Who's rude? Foreigners; starting with Gort.

James Davis seems to have the naïveté to believe that brave British airmen and sailors were thinking of Malta when they were fighting the AXIS. Incorrect; they were defending British military interests in the name of their king and country-not ours. They just used Malta as a battleground.

The same Malta they considered bartering with Mussolini and drop us on his lap; the one they squeezed to its last drop when it was needed; and the same one they turned their backs on as soon as the war was over-shutting us out of US Marshall aid. Gratitude soon evaporated.

Malta owes Britain nothing; especially not our ancient Flag.

No embellishment or graffiti is necessary. Our ancient Flag embodies our culture,soul and tradition.
Show the GC at the Museum not on our Flag.

Fiona Borg (US/Maltese)

Aug 29th 2009, 14:49

Nevermind the true colors of Malta, i am a Maltese/American and i was amazed of the number of Foreigners flying their own flags on roof tops as it its their bit of territory i actually felt abit of an outsider or shall i say intimidated maybe a bit of a harsh word to use, expecially in my birth place Gozo, If i had my way i would only let Maltese flags fly proudly. after all its our islands and not theirs they are only guests in someone else's country, same as my forfathers were in the states some 65 years ago.,but i only fly an American flag because i really consider myself an American citizen although Gozo is always there in my thoughts and nothing is going to change that. Fiona Jackie Borg. New Jersey USA

Danika Vella

Aug 29th 2009, 14:14

In time, the George Cross will become synonymous with Malta, just like the Knight's 8-pointed cross is today. So why remove it? From an aesthetic point of view, the Maltese flag looks better with the GC than without; it would be too monotonous and impersonal were it to be just white and red.

Don't misunderstand me: I would be the last one to champion servile attitude to an oppressor. But what has passed has passed. What the British did after the war and during cannot be changed. Today Malta is a free country and the british and italian and french and whatever have to respect that (not that we seem to be getting much respect from our dear italian friends atm, but that's another story). However, as the British decided to give Malta the GC, and also to put it on our flag, well then... they GAVE it to us. It's ours. So there should be no need to remove it. It is a medal to the fallen, 'For Gallantry' is says... and last time I checked, that was not something bad.

wally vella-zarb

Aug 29th 2009, 13:51

@ W Spencer

"Your lack of good manners says it all about you. "

.... as indeed does your meddling into what is no concern of yours.

W Spencer

Aug 29th 2009, 13:25

@ wally vella - zarb

Your lack of good manners says it all about you.

lgalea

Aug 29th 2009, 13:18

Ian Galea
But NOT on the national flag Ian.

David Reiling
No Reiling.
It is a remnant and a reminder of a former colonizer and it should be REMOVED.
It is not something against the British people but against a former colonialist government.

W Spencer
Wanting to keep the Gorg Cross on our flag is simply a servile mentality Spencer.

Janet Bayes, James Davis
No one is denying that t was given to the Maltese people for courage, but not to be displayed on our flag. It can be kept at the National Library for everyone to see. Davis you are wrong. No other country would even dream about putting a foreign colonialist symbol on the national flag. OUR flag should be only RED and WHITE as it has always been and as our antional poet had written,
"Hekk bajda u ħamra biss, irridek jiena,
Bandiera ħelwa ta' din l-art Maltija,
Għax kull meta s-sibbien ħabtu għalina,
Hekk bajda w ħamra biss rawk il-ħajjiena.

wally vella-zarb

Aug 29th 2009, 12:57

@ Spencer and similar settlers.

It never ceases to amaze me how little you people seem to understand your own language! The issue is not about 'respect' for the British (something that needs to be earned), nor is it about 'gratitude' (by whom? in which direction?). No, the issue is about the vandalising of our National Flag, the pure White and Red as described and entrenched in the Constitution of the Republic of Malta. The 'honour' of the decoration, as well as the history that it entails, remains in the form of the medal; the medal itself belongs in the museum, NOT represented on our Sacred Colours.

The above has been written in simple English in the, perhaps vain, hope that you will one day understand something that is really no concern of yours.

James Davis

Aug 29th 2009, 12:36

Mr Flynn, how totally insensitive your comments are to the memory of all those fine airmen that defended the Malta skies against hoards of Nazi and fascist bombers. How totally insulting to the memory of all those Royal and Merchant seamen who gave their lives so that Malta could be fed and defended.

What is next? Making Borg Pisani a national hero?

The true colours of the flag of Malta are Red, White and the George Cross - the colours of courage, honour and unity

James Davis

Aug 29th 2009, 12:08

Every now and again, Norman E Grech feels the need to remind the readers of 'The Times' that he is "the man before my time".
The award of the George Cross is a symbol of courage and unity by the Maltese against a belligerent enemy. The Cross was awarded to Malta collectively; to my parents and grandparents amongst many other Maltese who lived during WWII and therefore no one has the right to have it removed from our flag for it was awarded to a brave people. The GC is singular honour that has never been awarded to a country before or since, yet Mr Grech would prefer replacing it with the 8-pointed cross (of knights that left Malta in the lurch in 1798 when faced by Bonaparte without even a fight) or an image of the Neolithic Temples. This surely takes the cake - the mind boggles!

BTW Mr Grech people who prefer to have the GC where it is on our flag are not 'conditioned' as you have put it - we are simply proud of our ancestry and history.

Janet Bayes

Aug 29th 2009, 11:50

Is it always the maltese way to show disrespect to others? To disrespect part of the history of ones country in a time of war is really below the belt. Not that the George cross was not awarded as an honour ( as we brits are wont to say), but I see it more as a recognition of the plight of the maltese during this time. Something that should NEVER be forgotten, along with the loss of life on all sides, the gassing of the jews in the camps, and the winning of the fight for freedom. To take away this recognition of the part paid by the maltese, what does Norman Grech propose as an alternative method? Or is it part of the history to be forgotten? Those that fought, those that suffered and those that died are to be remembered for the fact that we all have the right to freedom of speech, movement and life. Recognition of that is the flag WITH the George Cross. Perhaps there should be a non political referendum on the subject, so the people of Malta can decide.

William P Flynn

Aug 29th 2009, 11:48

How many times must it be said that the British didn't "save" Malta. The largest British naval armada at the time (Operation Pedestal) couldn't make it past Cape Bon and had to turn back bloodied.
So how the heck could the British have stopped a fully fledged invasion had the AXIS decided to do it?

The British couldn't prevent eastern Europe from invasion, Greece, and not even France with its own Maginot Line and million strong fully equipped armies. Lord Gort had to run/swim for it out of Dunkirk.

Britain itself needed saving by the USA. Malta bought Britain time because the AXIS decided not to invade and by the time they realized their mistake it was just too late.

True, Maltese should respect all tourists even the British; whose government certainly showed no gratitude or respect to Maltese after the war-GC or no GC.

Respect is a two way thing and Brits should reciprocate and recuse themselves in matters strictly Maltese-like our Flag.
Brits who live in Malta ostensibly believe it's better for them-no altruism there..

Is the Colonial British 'freebee" mentality still alive? Why shouldn't they contibute to the economy?

Long live the pure White and Red.

W Spencer

Aug 29th 2009, 11:37

@ Norman E Grech

" Gaining momentum " ???? Its only the same few anti-British people like yourself, who constantly write in expressing their minority views, regarding the Flag. !! As previously commented, it seems that you have nothing better to do, so get involved in something useful to society. Remember the saying that idle hands do the devils work ?? !!

You cannot re-write history, or air-brush out what you do not like.

Joe Xuereb

Aug 29th 2009, 11:19

It is only a flag. It is useful as it differentiates one country from another. Not unlike postage stamps. The imperialism the writer talks about is very valid and that is one good reason why the flag should be 'cleaned'. As for bravery and all that, would you wear a badge declaring to the world that you cooked a mean 'ross fil-forn' today? Or a t-shirt declaring that you braved the rain without an umbrella because you are, well, brave? No. I didn't think you would. At the end of the day, a flag is a flag is a flag. It did not evolve out of a pip, like a pear-tree. Somebody, somewhere, at some point must have imposed the original flag.
Until fairly recently, I was under the impression that the English flag with the three-coloured one with the diagonals. And then with the rise of football hooliganism and the rest, I became aware that the ENGLISH flag is the one of St. George(?) - a red cross on a white ground. So much for flags. No wonder Britain(?) England (?) feels the need to hallark its identity on every piece of cloth going.

David Reiling

Aug 29th 2009, 11:13

as much as i respect your and many others views on this highly emotive subject - i think that history should be remembered (maybe not by the inclusion of the george cross on your flag) but had it not been for the British on the island in that time Malta would most certainly have been under German/Nazi rule and heaven only knows what may have ensued had that happenned. it should be regarded and accepted as the honour it was meant to be - not used to beat people over the head with political views.

Malta is a beautiful island and has a lot going for it but hey stop bashing the British - we are just as proud of being British as the maltese are proud to be Maltese and even prouder to have been at your side in times of need.

Many brits come here both for holidays and eventually return to retire here spending their money and supporting the economy so please have a little respect.

Ian Galea

Aug 29th 2009, 11:10

The irony of it all, Mr. Norman E.Grech, is that you are voicing your thoughts on a paper which proudly sports the George Cross in its title!!! If you have so much free time on your hands go and do some voluntary work!!

Joseph Galea

Aug 29th 2009, 10:29

Why not the dghajsa, farm implements and a 'pala tal-bajtar' while you're at it. Leave well enough alone.