Flag controversy

I understand that the decision to fly the Breton flag from the flagpole in the little rec as part of the celebration of Silverton twinning with St Thegonnec has caused a degree of controversy locally with some complaining about a foriegn flag flying over the war memorial. I think that two points need making.

Firstly, there is no direct connection, as far as I am aware between the flagpole and the war memorial. They just happen to be in the same area of the village and in fact, when I was young, there was no flag flying permanently from the flagpole as is now the case.

secondly, whilst accepting the sensitivities that some obviously feel over the issue, it needs pointing out that the twinning movement has been a small part of the process that has ensured that there has been a prolonged period of peace in western europe and that the human contacts established between communities and individuals through such initiatives make it less and less likely that there will ever be another one. Given that, I think that flying what some might regard as a foriegn flag in the village for a very limited period is a small price to pay in order that we never see a situation again where the names of the young men, and nowadays women, of Silverton are added to the sad role recorded on the memorial in the square. Perhaps those with an interest in twinning should now be extending there interests to twinning further afield to areas of the world currently embroiled in conflict in order that perhaps it will be more difficult for leaders of nations of whatever political shade find it more difficult to send young men and women into situations where they end up as names on a block of stone.

And its worth pointing out to those with objections to France and its inhabitants that Bretons are no more French than the Welsh are English. Indeed, the Bretons are a proud celtic nation who probably have more in common linguistically and culturally with Cornwall then with much of France.