I refer to Rodolfo Ragonesi’s article ‘The people’s will’ (April 2).

The George Cross is a singular and unique honour awarded to the people of Malta. This was an award to the people of Malta for gallantry. The people then, accepted it with pride and so do we, their children, proud of the gallantry shown by our parents.

The George Cross was awarded to the many people who, like my father, volunteered as firefighters when British ships were trying to reach the dockyard. It was awarded to ordinary men and women who never gave up in spite of the hardships.

It may be of interest to readers to know that the Times of Malta never missed an issue thanks to the heroic printers and typists who, together with the indomitable Mabel Strickland, took their typewriters to empty wells serving as shelters, typing on rickety tables or crates to ensure the newspaper was issued. One particular issue was printed on singed, charred newsprint but it was issued.

Comparing the Union Jack on a flag to an honour awarded to the people of Malta is very much like trying to compare chalk with cheese.

The George Cross is a medal for bravery, awarded to the people of Malta. It is not a medal that should be placed in a showcase, out of sight. Why try to belittle such a unique award to our fathers?

Medals are awarded for bravery and courage beyond the call of duty. Those brave enough to earn such medals proudly wear them on their chest, visible for all to see and appreciate, at every possible occasion. When these brave men and women pass away, their medals are treasured by their children who have every reason (like myself) to remember their parents with pride.

The George Cross, a medal awarded to the people of Malta for bravery, is proudly “worn” on the collective chest of the people to whom it was awarded – Malta’s national flag. Or are we trying to rewrite history?