The George Cross was awarded to the Maltese people in the 1940s for their resistance against an invasion. Many Maltese people and allied servicemen died when the island became the most bombed place on earth, even more than London.
The George Cross was given to the Maltese people and the island in recognition of this sacrifice. A George Cross granted to an individual cases upon death but the award to Malta is in perpetuity and is still an award to every Maltese person alive now even though it was earned by their parents and grandparents.
The George Cross shows that Malta is an island of heroes even now... memories do not fade. I have many friends in Malta who I visit regularly and correspond by mail and my letters are always addressed to Malta GC.
Be proud of the only country in the world to be renowned for its bravery.