Today is St George's Day. Hurrah! It seems that all the world remembers St Patrick's Day but few even know upon which day we celebrate the patron saint of England. It is the 23rd day of April. One of the greatest Englishmen ever to walk the face of the Earth - William Shakespeare - was born, and died, upon this day.
In medieval times, many a noble English knight rode into battle against the Saracens in the Holy Land and bravely fought and died wearing the red cross of St George on his tunic.
The government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland now denies the birthright of every true Englishman to declare his nationality as "English". Sadly, he must now be simply "British".
There is a long history of hard fought wars, rebellion and civil strife between the English, the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish. Proud nations together in a common peace and friendship now, but proud and separate nations they remain.
St George is a symbol of power - triumph in combat over the dragon - yet he remains an enigma. I told his story three years ago on this blog: God For Harry England & St George
The man who was born and died on this day penned these immortal and stirring words: "Summon up the blood, disguise fair nature with ill-favoured rage and upon this charge cry: God for Harry, England and St George!"
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