Firefighter Gifts – Maltese Cross
The Maltese Cross has long been associated with fire departments as emblems of local fire brigades and companies that serve specific areas. Many of the firefighter gifts purchased by friends and relatives of firemen feature this ancient symbol as part of the design. The Maltese Cross has a long history as a symbol of bravery, loyalty, and helpfulness used in other areas of public service like ambulances, nursing, and other medical institutions. This classic 15th Century symbol has four V-shaped arms of equal length, and the combined eight points of these crosses also represent the eight beatitudes of the Venerable Order of St. John, which is significant in the Protestant faith. Knowing some of the history behind the Maltese Cross makes giving firefighter gifts that bear the symbol more special, since many firemen believe strongly in the honorable aspects of the Cross’s history.
