A campaign was launched this morning, aimed at raising awareness and lobby towards swapping the George Cross with the Maltese Cross. A facebook page was set up with the intention of gauging the public interest on this subject and the discussion is already heating up.
The page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/maltesecrossinsteadofgeorgecross
The promoters gave a list of arguments in favour of removing the George Cross and replacing it with the Maltese cross on the national flag. They include the following
- the George cross is just a medal and has been awarded to hundreds of private citizens, while Malta as a country only received this medal/award for its valour during world war 2 when thousands of Maltese died, sacrificing their lives for the allies and the U.K., Malta deserved much more
- as an independent republic Malta should not bear a symbol donated to us by another country.
It is also pertinent to note that the Maltese have already chosen the Maltese 8-pointed Cross as the winning design to be depicted on our Euro coins, the promoters said. This means that the majority of the Maltese recognize this symbol and have an emotional attachment to it.
We aim to raise awareness for this cause, get enough likes on this page to force the Maltese legislators to ask for a referendum on this subject if necessary. The people of Malta have a right to voice their concern on this issue.
Having said that we should make it clear that we have absolutely nothing against the UK and the English people, but it does not make sense to have such a symbol depicted on our national flag when we are now an Independent Republic. “We should cut loose all ties with the English empire,” said one commentator on the facebook page.
Instead of the George cross we propose the 8 point Maltese cross, also known in Maltese as 'is-Salib tal-Kavallieri'. This cross symbolises our country's struggle against any occupying foreign force.
The campaign will include a positive message towards raising awareness about the Maltese Cross and will not include any negativity against the English, the George Cross or anyone who is in favour of the present Maltese flag. “We aim to have a civilized discussion on this subject,” said the creator of this facebook page.