The History of The Maltese Cross   Maltese graphics by: KissKitty Many Centuries ago , when a band of courageous crusaders who were known as the Knights of St. Johns fought the Saracens to win back the Holy Land . The Knights encountered a new weapon that was unknown to the European warriors. The unknown weapon was fire. Hundreds of comrades risked their lives to help and rescue others and to extinguish the fire. They became the first firefighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who were each awarded a badge of honor. The badge was a cross to be worn on the battlefield to distinguish friend or foe. In time the cross came to represent the firefighting ideals of saving lives. Since the Knights of St. John lived in a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. The island was named Malta for  nearly four centuries. The cross came to be known as The Maltese Cross. Those who wear it are willing to lay down their lives to help others in need, just as the brave Knights of Malta did many years ago.  The Maltese Cross has eight points, each point has a meaning , they are 1.Gallantry  2. Sympathy  3. Perservance  4. Loyalty  5. Tact  6. Observance  7. Dexterity  8. Explicitness A SYMBOL OF SACRIFCE AND STRENGTH. THOSE WHO WEAR THE CROSS ANSWER A SPECIAL CALLING.