Reclaiming the Flag

So, England's World Cup dream is over for another four years. Come on, did you really think we were going to win it? Actually, for a few dreamy sun-filled days I thought it was a distinct possibility. But then reality struck and the usual anticlimax followed. Oh well, I thought, that's life, that's England. But, let's be positive, the team did ok and they certainly progressed further than most of us thought they would.

For me though, the strongest positives to come out of the competition were the conspicuous lack of hooligans and the equally conspicuous abundance of Saint George's flags both at the matches themselves and in this country as a whole. There was a distinct feeling of national unity and pride, clearly augmented by the Golden Jubilee celebrations, and it was positively uplifting to see so much colour and so many happy faces in virtually every town and village.

As the memories began to fade I thought what a shame it would be if we were to let it all disappear. I'd got used to seeing Saint George's crosses flying from pubs, offices, bedroom windows and even car aerials and I liked what I saw. Generally, we English are a fairly apathetic bunch and it was so good to see such uncharacteristic behaviour. I've always felt that patriotism, reflecting a simple pride in your country as opposed to a feeling of national superiority, is a force for the good and anything that creates a feeling of belonging and togetherness surely has to be encouraged, don't you think?

Even the most vociferously politically correct made no objection and how could they? They, like the rest of us, could see that the whole country was caught up in the occasion. At last, so it seemed to me, the silent majority had reclaimed back the flag of Saint George from the thugs and political extremists who have done so much to besmirch it in recent years. The flag was restored to England as a whole and I just hope it stays that way.

It's wonderful how a sporting event like the World Cup can bring out such feelings of national pride and lets not forget how the Commonwealth Games also brought a collective smile to the nation. Why can't it always be that way? Why can't we always show pride in our country? Why don't we fly our national flag constantly outside our town halls and public buildings like they do in virtually every other country in the world?

It would be marvellous if, as a nation, we could build on the feelings of national and community pride seen over the last couple of months. Patriotism is not something to be wheeled out only when the country is involved in a global sporting event - it should be there permanently. We've all enjoyed the last few weeks and it would be a shame if we allowed it to fade into distant memory. The flag is for life not just the World Cup. Don't put it away just yet.

JE
July 2002