I cannot make sense out of Carmel Meilak's suggestion (June 5) that the Maltese Cross should be considered as the emblem of Malta and depicted on our national flag instead of the George Cross. Surely he should know that the Maltese Cross is not Maltese. As far as I know the eight pointed cross is the symbol of the Knights of Malta and not of the Maltese nation. If I remember correctly the pala tal-bajtar was, at one stage, deemed to be the emblem of Malta.

The Maltese Cross or Amalfi cross was originally the symbol of Amalfi, a small Italian republic, and later identified as the symbol of an order of Christian warriors known as the Knights Hospitallers or the Knights of Malta, and the St John Ambulance.

The eight pointed cross, known as the Maltese Cross, is certainly not unique to these islands. A quick look on the net shows that: in the United Kingdom an eight pointed cross is the symbol used by Rifle Regiments and features on the badge of the Bermuda Regiment; the eight pointed cross forms the basis for the design of the Order of the Bath and is also the symbol of Neath Rugby Football Club in Wales; in India, a Maltese Cross is the symbol used by the Garhwal Rifles; in Sweden a Maltese Cross forms the basic form for all Royal Orders; in Australia the Maltese Cross forms the logo for the South Australian Service.

On the other hand, the George Cross is not an emblem. It is the highest civilian gallantry award to honour the brave people of Malta "to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history".

The US President, Franklin. D Roosevelt, reading the citation, saluted the Island of Malta, for having "rendered valorous service far and above the call of duty..."

The award to the people of Malta is not merely displayed in a box in a museum but woven into its national flag, proudly displayed as a constant reminder of our nation's courage - a symbol which can only bring pride to our generation and generations yet to come.