The Maltese Cross

[WFD 507]

Does anybody have anything about the Maltese Cross??????? The only thing that I can find on the Cross is a brief history summary. I would like to find some more details about this wonderful inspiring symbol that we all wear. Also would like to start collecting different styles of the Maltese Cross. I think that it is something that we should all learn about, the beginning of the first firemen. What little bit I have found has been some very interesting reading. If anybody can help, I would gratefully appreciate it. Thanks

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[rescue3]

hi! i am also interested in getting any info. on the maltese cross. i also have a brief history...it might be the same one you have but i'll email it to you. stay safe out there.

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§ rescue3 §
"you go...we go"

[Diane]

Have you tried posting under the Chaplains forum?

[Fireman Ry]

That is a good topic to research. I've never thought about looking into the history.

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Ryan B.
Stay Safe
Warminster Fire Department
Station 90
Bucks County

[willy164]

The insignia of the fire service is the Cross Pattee-Nowy, otherwise known as the Maltese Cross. This cross represents the fire service ideals of saving lives and extinguishing fires. The fire service borrows the cross from the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, a charitable, non-military organization that existed during the 11th and 12th centuries. A white or silver cross on a dark background was adopted by these Knights of Hospitallers, as they were also known, because of their charity toward the sick and poor in setting
up hospices and hospitals. Later they assisted the Knights of the crusades through their goodwill and also through military assistance in an effort to win back the HolyLand. The Knights of St. John eventually moved to the Island of Malta, The island for which the Maltese Cross was named.The need for an identifiable emblem for the Knights had become crucial.Because of the extensive armor which covered their bodies and faces, the Knights were unable to distinguish friend from foe in battle.They chose the Cross of Calvary as their symbol since they fought their battles for a holy cause. The cross was later called the "Maltese Cross" and represented the principles of charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry, generosities to friend and foe, protection of the weak, and dexterity in service. During the Crusades, many knights became firefighters out of necessity. Their enemies had resorted to throwing glass bombs containing naphtha
and sailing their vessels of war containing naphtha, rosin, sulfur, and flaming oil into the vessels of the knights. Many knights were called to do heroic deeds by rescuing fellow knights , and extinguishing fires.

You can visit the below site...this is where I obtained the above information.
http://www.shoreweb.com/dmvfire/maltese.htm



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Willy Thompson
Teaneck Fire Department
Teaneck N.J.

[Diane]

There's a brief on it on the NFPA web-site, as well.

[nsfirechap]

Found this on the web:

The Badge of a Fire Fighter is the Maltese Cross. The Maltese Cross
is a symbol of protection and a badge of honor. Its story is hundreds
of years old.

When a courageous band of crusaders known as The Knights of St.
John fought the Saracens for possession of the holy land, they
encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a
simple, but horrible device of war. It brought excruciating pain and
agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross.

As the crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck
by glass bombs containing naphtha. When they became saturated
with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens would hurl a flaming
torch into their midst. Hundreds of the 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 Fire Fighters and the first of a long
list of courageous men. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow
crusaders who awarded each hero a badge of honor - a cross similar
to the one fire fighters wear today. Since the Knights of St. John lived
for close to four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea
named Malta, the cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross.

The Maltese Cross is our symbol of protection. It means that the Fire
Fighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for you just
as the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many
years ago. The Maltese Cross is a Fire Fighter's badge of honor,
signifying that he works in courage - a ladder's rung away from
death.


Jeff