Recognising a national sense of pride

I have always found it fascinating how different nationalities react to their country’s history and achievements. Not for the first time have I found myself for example comparing the expression of nationalism of an Italian or Frenchman with that of mine and other fellow Maltese. Maybe our failure or rather limitation is in the demonstration (Italians certainly express themselves better!) or our resistance to acknowledge great achievements because of probable underlying partisan restraints. Whatever the real reasons, the end result is a society which in its majority continues to collectively undervalue the achievements of this tiny rock of ours in the Mediterranean.

Few national holidays are commemorated with as much celebration and festivity as that of Independence Day. As one of the greatest success stories for the Nationalist Party led by George Borg Olivier in 1964, this was the first and actual step towards a free, independent and democratic country. Dr Borg Olivier had a clear and consistent vision for Malta and achieving Independence was no mean feat, considering the trials and tribulations which surrounded this historic moment in our history. It was a challenge – a great challenge, but one which sowed some of the first seeds of national pride. Finally as a nation we could come together to celebrate being Maltese and to build a future for our children based on our beliefs, values and aspirations.

Fast forward to 2011 and it is glaringly obvious that this has been a tumultuous and challenging road which has seen us converting our nation into a highly respected, productive and competitive country member state of the European Union. For all the attempts at revisionism, ashes and sack cloth Malta is now a member of the European Union. Just reading about it should make us swell with pride – we have weathered difficult challenges throughout the years and have still survived well mainly due to our fierce national loyalty and the resilience and flexibility of our leaders and unstinting workforce.

Snapshots of our lives during the past 47 years show a rollercoaster of events which have affected our parents’ lives, our lives and will in turn mould our children’s vision of the future. Yet throughout it all one constant has remained unchanged – our collective determination to work harder and to succeed more. We may not wax lyrical about our country or sing our national anthem at every possible opportunity but we are certainly flying the flag for Malta and the Maltese in the Mediterranean, the European Union and the world over.

The Nationalist Party this year celebrates Independence Day with a special theme. Kburin b’pajjiżna għax nemmnu f’pajjiżna (proud of our country because we believe in our country) sums up our history and our vision for the future. This is a poignant theme at a vulnerable time in history when neighbouring countries are in conflict or facing economic meltdowns. Our pride in our country has many origins but surely it is also a strong reflection of our forefathers’ passionate determination not to be defeated during World War II – we can make it! This burning passion to face challenges and our innate and almost primitive sense of survival has honed our skills over the years, preparing us for fresh, exciting challenges. And we have risen to the many occasions and proven our mettle – at times even having to fiercely counteract our own gemgem culture to prove our worth!

The Nationalist Party is this year recognising our sense of pride in our nation because it truly has been the one constant that has kept us working together side by side focusing on improving our little island.

The week-long celebrations on the Granaries were an occasion for each and every one of us to celebrate the great accomplishments of this island in a world where economic crises, financial meltdowns, unemployment, conflict and war have become the order of the day. We have come a long way since obtaining Independence and one cannot help but compare with a country like Libya which achieved its independence only 13 years before us! Guided by our religion, our strong sense of values and a real understanding of the events surrounding us, we will continue to walk together this promising yet uneven path come rain or shine!

info@carolinegalea.com

The author sits on the executive committee of the Nationalist Party.