It has been 70 years since King George acknowledged the sacrifice and hardship the Maltese people went through during World War II; our forefathers received recognition through a very prestigious award. I know and accept some Maltese have different interpretations as to what this award meant for the Maltese islands. I personally see it as a pinnacle of what being Maltese is all about.

Throughout its history Malta has been ruled by many but never has any of its previous rulers bestowed such an honour which still forms part of our make-up. Our national flag bears witness to this, every time it flies proudly depicting our identity.

This year the government has pencilled in many special events to commemorate the award of the George Cross; the young and old alike should feel very special indeed at such a time. I am very proud to be a member of the George Cross Island Association, which works extremely hard to keep alive those memories of moments in our history even though somewhat sad.

The Duke of Gloucester is representing the Queen during the commemoration, which is an honour indeed. I just cannot help wanting to share my personal experience involving his Royal Highness. In my role as a community police officer in Kent in 1983 I was invited to a civic reception at Maidstone Town Hall in his honour during which I was introduced by the vice president of the Kent Association of Boys Clubs Viscount Massereene and Ferrand to the Duke who was very complimentary about my police work.

At that time I was wearing my Maltese cross tie which was noticed by Viscount Massereene who proceeded to undo his shirt to expose a chain which had the Maltese cross. His Royal Highness looked and uttered: “Is this stripping part of the evening’s entertainment?”

The photograph was taken during the civic reception at Maidsone Town Hall.

It depicts me shaking hands with the Duke of Gloucester. Viscount Massereene is just behind the Duke.