Dear Madam
Richards Commission.
I recently had an interview with Gwenda Thomas - Assembly
Member, and she suggested that I write to you regarding
some ideas I have.
I feel that we are not doing enough in our schools
to generate interest and pride in Wales. In comparison,
the history of Scotland and England is well known, The
1066 Battle of Hastings, Edgar Wallace, better known
as Brave Heart readily spring to mind, but ask Welsh
school children to name a Welsh hero or king and there
is a deafening silence. Wales has such a colourful history
that it should be taught in all Welsh schools,
We must encourage our children to have pride in their
country. We could start by supplying all schools with
the Welsh flag and that it be displayed in a conspicuous
place. What a wonderful focal point - the Red Dragon,
in all its glory. It's time we got rid of the Prince
of Wales Three Feathers with its German text, let us
be "One Nation. One Flag"
Talking of the Prince of Wales, he is a pathetic representative
of Wales. He has homes in England and Scotland but nothing
in Wales. Even his son is being educated in Scotland.
I am afraid he does nothing for the image of Wales.
I ask myself why don't people know the words of our
National Anthem? The English, Scots and Irish all know
the words of theirs. If young children are taught the
words of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau in primary school, we would
all be able to sing it with feeling and pride. Most
children can learn the words quite easily - even if
it is taught parrot fashion. Anything would be better
than seeing a close-up on television of someone "trying"
to sing our wonderful anthem without any idea of the
words - or their meaning.
Why not start each school day with a simple prayer
in Welsh.
For once, instead of following the Scottish Assembly
let us lead the way by awarding our people with a Welsh
Award. Examples which spring to mind would be the Cross
of St. David, or the Red Dragon Award. Even in the higher
award system Wales is totally ignored. There is the
Cross of St. George, the St. Patrick Award, the Order
of the Thistle but absolutely nothing for Wales. I can
only imagine how proud one of our recent Welsh heroes
Simon Weston would be to wear a Welsh award on his chest.
This award could be handed out for several reasons -
outstanding sporting achievements, charitable work,
heroic deeds etc etc.
Let's us all try arid make others aware of what a wonderful
country Wales is, but we have to start somewhere otherwise
it will be too late.
I hope that some of my ideas will prove to be "food
for thought".
Yours faithfully,
Derek Tong (Mr)
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