|
History of the Maltese Cross
The Maltese Cross is a symbol of
protection- 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 wrought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the
brave fighters of the Cross.
The Saracen's weapon was fire! As the Crusaders
advanced on the walls of the city, they were attacked by glass bombs
containing naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable
liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming tree into their midst. Hundreds of
Knights were burned alive. Others risked their lives to save their
brothers in arms from dying painful deaths. Thus, these men became the
first fire fighters...and the first of a long list of courageous Fire
Fighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow Crusaders who
awarded each hero with a badge of honor- a cross similar to the one Fire
Fighters wear today.
Since the Knights of St. John lived for nearly four
centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea, named Malta, the
Cross became known as the Maltese Cross. The Maltese Cross is a symbol
of protection. It means that the Fire Fighter that wears this Cross is
willing to lay down his life, just as the Crusaders sacrificed their
lives for their fellow men so many years ago. The Maltese Cross is a
Fire Fighter's Badge of Courage..... a ladder-rung away from death.
|
Fire and Emergency Services