The Welsh flag will most times mean very little to many a Belgian. Audrey Walters, 38, based in Belgium—recently was found attending Tomorrowland, a music festival in Belgium. But instead of grooving along with music, she stood high raising a Welsh flag—which won the hearts of many across internet.

“My grandfather was born in Pontardawe in 1920. He fought proudly under the Welsh flag, like many other Welsh parents and grandparents.

In Belgium, he met my grandmother, and though he never left her side, he always felt a deep homesickness. The only time he cried was when the Welsh national anthem played.

I started visiting my Welsh family when I was just 4 years old. Now, at 38, even though my grandfather is no longer with us, I continue this annual pilgrimage with my mom.

Each visit, we share family stories, revisit cherished places, and keep traditions alive. Every year, I buy my love spoon at Siop y pentan in Carmarthen, my cockles and my welsh cakes at the Swansea market and say hello to my friend Dafydd on the boat in New Quay.

Learning Welsh became a passion, leading me to get a tattoo with a phrase from the National Anthem and the word ‘Cwtch.’

So, when I knew that I was heading to Tomorrowland, where over 162 nationalities were supposed to gather, I did not hesitate. I took my flag and roamed the festival with the proud dragon on my back, honouring my grandfather.

There, I even met another Welsh flag bearer, Rachel, and we reconnected through the Facebook community.

My heart belongs to Wales and its people. Their kindness, humour, goodness, and strength captivate me every time I cross the border. I am proud to bear my grandfather’s last name, and even after getting married, I insisted on keeping it.

So, will I carry my flag again next year? Absolutely! This time with a new “Yma o Hyd” tattoo. Even though I am only 25% Welsh, it is the part of me that I will always proudly claim.”

What moments have made you feel closer to your Welsh DNA? Share your story at [email protected].

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Sally George

Sally is a proud wife of a Welshman, editor & writer of Welsh Histories. She’s all about stories—that shout ‘anything Welsh.’ Drop her an email if you have an advice, insight, experience, or a story to share.