St. George's Day

Today is St. George's Day, St. George being the patron saint of England. His emblem is a red cross on a white background and was brought to England in the 12th century by Richard the Lion Heart. Believe it or not, the flag of England is a red cross on a white background! (I think we foreigners tend to think the Union Jack is the flag.) However, unlike other countries, such as Ireland and St. Patrick's Day, today is not a holiday, nor is it treated like a National Day. In fact, a lot of people over here have no idea when St. George's Day is, beyond "er, sometime in April?"

Cry God for Harry, England and Saint George!
William Shakespeare (Henry V)

The London Marathon has been going on this morning. I would almost run it just for the fact that you get to run over the Tower Bridge...almost. But I know my body too well to ever try and run for that distance and length of time! It must be pretty cool to run over the Tower Bridge with thunderous cheering all around you, though.