feeling proud to be British

Just as sorry girls aren't....

Oh for even a temporary edit facility for just after posting!

Those patriotic songs people have mentioned are not what does it for me, though I agree they are stirring – negatively for some people, including me; I don't want to be proud of something that has negative connotations for other countries and our Rule Britannia period does.

No, I feel fortunate to have been born British because we have one of the most advanced civilisations in the world. I judge that on the availability of national health care, a national and universal education system, universal suffrage, and so on, so I'd be just as 'proud' anywhere else that has those advantages, and just as glad that kids aren't dying of malaria all around me, and that girls aren't allowed to go to school, and that only the rich get really good medical treatment because no one else can afford it. I'll stop there. That'll do. You'll get the idea no doubt.

The Rule Britannia and I Vow to thee my country songs make me feel slightly ashamed really. Yes, they are rousing songs. I feel the emotion behind them, but I feel the history too and some of it I'm not proud of.

We were cross about the 'nod' to the Union Flag as well, LizG. In other words, Don't take the p**s.

I wish the soloist had been British although she has a beautiful voice. Also wish she hadn't worn a pink Union flag.

When our children were small they used to love Spanish Lady. Remember the promenader who used to fish loads of coloured hankies, joined together with string, out of his pocket? He'd pass them along the line so they could 'weep' and wipe their eyes. Sadly, I think he must be long gone now.

I hate to say it but Leonard Slatkin also did away with them during his residency. Maybe it's an American thing?

I googled last years horn pipe!
Wasn't the same without it!
Doing that, made evening!

Belfast were out in force tonight. The shipyard was a lovely setting.

And now, I fear, summer is really over

Wasn't the last night fantastic this year?

Merlot agreed!

Really good speech from the conductor !
Good for her!

Wonderful Last Night but I wish they wouldn't leave out the sea shanties. We're an island race. PUT THEM BACK!!

Land of Hope and Glory.....magnificent!!!

Just thinking the same Galen.

Wonderful performance of 'land of hope and glory'
This one REALLY RAISES THE PATRIOTISM IN ME!

Just about to say that myself Galen!

Listening to the last night of the proms! Would never miss it!
RULE BRITANNIA,

I hate some lines in 'I vow to thee my country'. I don't think people should sacrifice their lives without asking questions!

I hate it. But! I do think 'I vow to me my country' would be the most appropriate!

How about this for an English anthem. It has a good tune and chorus and is very rousing. It was written by a Welshman but what the heck. It would certainly stand up to Land of my Fathers and Flower of Scotland.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3dD05mu3qQ

We used to join in with this one at Saturday morning pictures. But we sang it faster and with a bit more wellie.

We were patriotic little things.

Thank you, Lona - it is not nice to have your truthfulness questioned.

I have pointed out before that the poor in England were oppressed themselves by their employers and masters. I am quite sure that none of my ancestors were responsible for anything bad that happened to people in other countries - they were too busy trying to survive.

Greatnan I have witnessed the same thing in North Wales.

I am afraid that my experience in Mold was exactly as I described it. I rather resent the implication that I have made it up - why would I? I had nothing but goodwill towards my Welsh neighbours until I found myself ostracised simply for being English.
I don't understand the reference to the French - they speak French to each other and continue speaking it when I join them.

Well said ElliMary it was "great" for some and nasty, brutish and short for others.

Great Britain did well as you say Jack in the time when everyone who had money was getting richer and richer while other people dug the coal and cut down the sugar cane to enable these immense profits. not to mention the slave trade,
Now they have got to make do with what they have earned themselves. perhaps a bit of honesty about the past would help get things moving forward again.