The British have officially celebrated St George’s Day since 1222. Their flag, the Union Jack, is the cross of St George and the cross of St Andrew which represents Scotland. But this holiday is now in suspended animation due to multiculturalism. This is very different than the diversity common in America where we all assimilate into the dominant culture but also preserve and honor our respective heritages. In fact, we even celebrate them, as a nation, in observations such as St Patrick’s Day or Columbus Day.
Many years ago I attended a lecture at Occidental College in Los Angeles (known for its former students Jack Kemp and Barack Obama). It started at 8:05 because in prior years a nearby railroad made too much noise at 8 pm. But when that train ended they decided to keep the 8:05 time because they felt that tradition has value in and of itself. I’ve spent years thinking about that statement as I have observed America deteriorate and feel strongly that they were right. Tradition has value in and of itself, and it binds us together and to our history.
Note: During a trip to the UK and due to its historical importance I went and stood on the spot where according to tradition St George slew the dragon. While most historians believe the dead dragon wasn’t literal but rather symbolic of the ending of Britain’s pagan past, the traditional story holds meaning and provides unity.
Copyright 2016, Mark L. Bennett
Many things in our life are guided by tradition. It is often the reality we could not experience but we held on to because it's virtues gave us a certain solidarity and a foundation for our philosophies.
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