not aware of the complete significance of the eight
points on the Maltese Cross. Here they are:
the Christian warrior who pledged not only to fight in defense of the
Holy Land, but also to protect the lives of his compatriots. The
Maltese Cross now worn by modern firefighters is actually an
adaptation of a particular crusader insignia, the cross of the Knights
of St. John of Jerusalem...
The Knights, one of the oldest orders of warrior monks that fought
for Christendom, took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Also
known as Hospitallers, the monks maintained a hospital for pilgrims
in Jerusalem. Then that city became the center of the
crusade-embattled lands, the brothers militarized their order, but
continued to protect pilgrims and extend their charity to the sick
and poor.
Because of the extensive armor that covered their bodies and faces,
the Knights were unable to distinguish friend from foe in battle, so
the need for an identifiable emblem for the Knights became crucial.
Since they fought their battles for a holy cause, they chose the Cross
of Calvary, a white or silver cross on a dark background. After the
fall of Jerusalem in 1187, the Knights of St. John moved to the island
of Malta.
During the crusades, many Knights became firefighters out of
necessity. Their enemies had resorted to throwing bombs and sailing
war vessels containing naphtha.
Hundreds of Knights were burned alive. Others risked their lives to
save their brothers in arms from dying painful fiery deaths.
Thus these men became our first firefighters and the first of a long
list of courageous firefighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized
by fellow Crusaders who awarded each hero a Badge of Honor ; a
cross similar to the one firefighters wear today.
The Maltese Cross is your symbol of protection. It means that the
firefighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his/her life for
you, just as Crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so
may years ago.
The Maltese Cross is a Firefighter's badge of honor, signifying that
he/she works in courage... a ladder-rung away from death.
