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The eight-point Maltese Cross is the international symbol
of the fire service's willingness to make great
sacrifices in order to protect others from the
ravages of fire. It is a badge of courage and honor
and it story is hundreds of years old.
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.
Later, they assisted the Knights of the Crusades in their
effort to win back the Holy Land. As the Knights of
St. John and Knights of the Crusades attacked the
city walls, the Saracens first threw glass bombs
containing highly flammable liquids and then flaming
torches. 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 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 had originally helped the knights
distinguish between friend and foe, became the
ultimate symbol of heroism and service. 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.
Today, firefighters wear the Maltese Cross to symbolize
their willingness to risk their lives to save others
from the ravages of fire. The Maltese Cross is also
the symbol used by St John Ambulance across the
world. This is an organization that developed out of
the crusades, and has been known as the Nights of St
John. In Australia, St John Ambulance is a First Aid
organization involved in teaching and performing
first aid. Most members are volunteers although in
some states they still run the primary ambulance
services.
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