The Story of the Maltese Cross

The badge of a firefighter is the Maltese Cross. This honored symbol originated with a group of eleventh century knights who were serving in a Jerusalem hospital. They became known as the Order of Knights Hospitaller and later became the Knights of St. John. This charitable organization cared for the ill with great compassion. They assisted the Knights of Crusaders in their effort to win back the Holy Land. They were met with glass bombs containing highly flammable liquids and flaming torches when they attacked the city walls. Many knights were severely burned, some suffering agonizing deaths. Risking horrible death, those knights who were able struggled desperately to help their burning comrades, beating out the flames and dragging them to safety. In acknowledgment of their heroic deeds of rescuing fellow knights and fighting fires, the cross, which they wore, was decorated and inscribed. In 1530, the Island of Malta was given to the courageous knights. The symbol on their flag, the eight-point cross, became known as the "Maltese Cross.” The cross, which is considered sacred, represents the principles of charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry, generosity to friend and foe, protection of the weak and dexterity in service. Others have labeled the eight points of Maltese Cross as shown below.