Removing the George Cross from the flag would be ‘absurd’

Removing the George Cross from the Maltese flag on the pretext that this is a remnant of colonial times is as absurd as proposing to raze Valletta to the ground, historian Joe Pirotta believes.
“If we reach the absurd stage of starting to remove colonial vestiges, we might as well start by demolishing Valletta as it was built by the Knights of St John, who were autocratic rulers after all.”
Prof. Pirotta spoke to The Sunday Times of Malta following the controversial idea floated by broadcaster Charles Xuereb on #TimesTalk. Mr Xuereb, a Francophile, called for the removal of the George Cross and the relocation of colonial monuments to less prominent sites.
Awarded in April 1942 by King George VI, at a time when Malta was part of the British Empire, the medal symbolised the defiance of its people against the relentless attacks from the Axis powers.

The medal, the second highest award of the United Kingdom honours system, was incorporated in the Maltese flag as from 1943.
The prominent historian noted that Maltese still cherished this medal and were greatly honoured to have been awarded such a prestigious recognition for their gallantry.
“The idea that Malta got dragged in WWII...