Hello Monaco #15 Summer–Autumn 2022 | Page 67

JUBILEE
George would have been born in Cappadocia , around 280 . It is said that , very young , he joined the Roman army and that his courage earned him the appointment of tribune . One day , according to Legend , George arrived in a town in Libya , called Silene . Near the city , dwelt a dreadful dragon who approached the walls and poisoned with his breath , all those who were within his reach . To appease the fury of this monster , and prevent it from annihilating the entire city , the inhabitants offered it first the only sheep they had and finally had to draw lots for humans to be sacrificed to the dragon . No family was exempted from this choice .
Thankfully George arrives . Fate had designated as victim that day the only daughter of the King .
But Christians like Saint Devote and Saint George were in great danger from Roman Emperor Diocletian . George appeared before the tribunal held by Diocletian , in the presence of the Senate and the army who were intent on exterminating Christianity and restoring the worship of idols . George confessed his faith in Christ and refused to offer a sacrifice to the gods . He then suffered a terrible martyrdom and suffered many tortures which he miraculously survived . Furious , Diocletian had him beheaded on April 23rd , 303 . This same year 303 , Saint Dévote also suffered martyrdom and landed on the shore of Monaco on January 27th .
Since April 23rd , 1997 , the year of celebration of the 700th anniversary of the Grimaldi Dynasty , Public Security has been placed , by the will of Prince Rainier III , under the benevolence of its Godmother , Mrs . Charlotte Casiraghi , daughter of H . R . H . Princess Caroline of Hanover .
“ I SWEAR LOYALTY TO THE PRINCE ”

In recognition of the achievements of the Department of Public Security over the past 120 years there were celebrations throughout this year . There is a celebratory stamp showing the Monegasque police helmet which is the most iconic symbol of each police officer in uniform . The Sovereign Prince ’ s monogram capped with a crown emphasises the Police Department ’ s commitment to the Prince .

Hello Monaco is very appreciative of the kind assistance of the Communication Department who provided the illustrations .
To save the princess from a horrible death , George fought the beast . Mounting his horse , making the sign of the cross he bravely attacked the dragon brandishing his spear high and mortally wounded the beast , finally killing it in the City in front of the King and the populace whom George converted to Christianity .
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© Direction de la Communication
Hello Monaco Summer — Autumn 2022 / 65 www . hellomonaco . com