Show your respect for the hardworking firefighters in your life and community with this decorative garden flag. The message reads across the top, “Respect the Red”. Below is the Maltese cross used to represent firefighters. The background is dark red. The lettering reads correctly from both sides. Honor firefighters for the lifesaving work they do with this decorative garden flag.
Magnolia Lane Double Applique Garden Flags are among the finest quality flags in the industry, featuring 3-ply construction. This means two heavily embroidered and appliqued flags are sewn together back to back with batting sewn in between. The 3-ply construction process yields a rich-looking, luxurious flag that offers a very high-end appearance that anyone would be proud to display inside or outside their home or place of business. Each unique design is crafted using brightly colored, weather-resistant, nylon fabric along with tight, detailed embroidered stitching that is sure to draw attention. This flag will fit on any garden pole. Flag size: 13” x 18”.
Meaning and History of the Maltese Cross
The Maltese Cross or Cross of Malta dates back over one thousand years, to the Crusaders in the Middle East. The Knights of St. John were the world’s first great brotherhood of warriors sworn to chivalry. The Knights of St. John included men of all walks of life, from noblemen and priests to artisans and laborers. Regardless of their differences, they were bound together by a pledge to one another of courage and compassion. Together they battled against oppressive forces. They brought their crusades long distances away from home, crossing deserts and oceans to the Holy Lands of Malta, Cyprus, and Rhodes. All the while they administered to the sick, and needy. The Crusaders adopted the eight-pointed Cross of Malta as their emblem because its eight points represented the eight virtues prescribed in the Sermon on the Mount: Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the pure, the merciful, the peacemakers, they that mourn, they that seek righteousness, and they who are persecuted for righteousness sake. Although the Cross of Malta had Christian origins, the Knights of St. John made it their battle standard representing liberation for all men, women, and children who suffered oppression. When the Knights of St. John engaged the Saracens in a battle for possession of the Holy Land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to Europeans up until that time. Although simple, a horrible method of warfare that inflicted terrible pain and death upon the Saracens’ enemies. This weapon was “fire”. As the knights advanced, they were struck by glass containers of naphtha. Once saturated with this highly flammable liquid, the Saracens threw flaming torches into their ranks. Hundreds of the knights were burned alive while others put their own lives at risk to save their brothers. These men became the first of a long line of brave firemen. The courageous efforts of these early firefighters were recognized by being awarded a badge of honor, which was a Cross similar to what modern-day firemen wear. Because the Knights of St. John lived for nearly 4 centuries on the small island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the cross became known as the Maltese Cross.
Today, the universal symbol of firefighters is the Maltese Cross. It symbolizes protection and is a badge of honor. Just as the crusaders risked their lives and many times made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man so many years ago, today’s firefighters exhibit that same spirit of courage and sacrifice.
#firefighter #ThankYouFirstResponder
*Flagpole not included.
