The emblem of Malta, the Maltese Cross, does not feature on its flag. The George Cross does. I do not wish to denigrate the latter, far from it. But surely we are mature enough to consider replacing it with our own emblem, the Maltese Cross. This change does not signify any disrespect towards the GC which was achieved by Malta during one particular heroic event in its chequered history.

There is nothing unorthodox in making a change in one's flag. The US added two stars in their flag when a few years ago Alaska and Hawaii became new states in that country. The Republic of South Africa and the Russian Federation replaced their former flags with two completely different ones. Nations that were absorbed by their stronger neighbours like Latvia, Estonia, etc. combed their archives to resuscitate their former flags. Others like some Eastern European countries scratched off the communist emblems that existed on their flags. Italy also made some changes when it became a republic. The flag of East Germany (The Democratic Republic of Germany) ceased to exist.

The Maltese Cross, though perplexingly in Malta alone, is known as St John's Cross. All over the world it is a symbol of charitable deeds. In fact the origin of the Hospitaller Order of the Knights of Malta, Rhodes and Jerusalem was to extend help to pilgrims who travelled in those difficult times to visit the Holy Land. During their long sojourn in Malta the Knights built the biggest hospital in Europe, for those times.

How many of us realise that the greater majority of many Maltese sport, cultural, government and religious entities have the Maltese Cross entwined in their namesake. So are we too proud to make this change or too indifferent to become better recognised and admired in the world?