- Hi Jeff -
- I don't know if anyone has brought this to your attention,
yet. When I first saw the stamp, my eyes were drawn to the small object
in the upper left corner. Hmm. Curious, don't you think?
- Okay, let's have some fun with symbols.
-
-
- Maltese Cross
-
- The Maltese or splayed cross was found in caves in the
former Phoenician lands of Cappadocia, now Turkey, dating back many thousands
of years to the Phoenician occupation at least and it became the cross
of the Knights Hospitaller of St John of Jerusalem (Knights of Malta),
the Knights Templar, and the Nazis.
-
-
- The first one is a drawing of a warrior from the
period of the Crusades. Note the cross:
-
-
- The next, is a Nazi soldier who appears to have done
well for himself. Note the Maltese Cross, which is quite similar to the
cross from the Crusades - just having received an "update" to
its design.
- Now .... look at this one! I think you'll recognize this
newest version of the Cross - again having received an update to its design.
- What do you think they're trying to tell us?
-
-
-
- Then again...
-
- HISTORY OF THE MALTESE CROSS
http://warhammer.mcc.virginia.edu/cars/maltese.html
-
-
- The Firefighter's Maltese Cross
by Shirley Sheridan
-
 It is a badge of courage and
honor and it story is hundreds of years old.
-
- This honored symbol originated with a group of eleventh
century knights who were serving in a Jerusalem hospital. They became known
as the Order of Knights Hospitaller and later became the Knights of St.
John. This charitable organization cared for the ill with great compassion.
-
- Later, they assisted the Knights of the Crusades in their
effort to win back the Holy Land. As the Knights of St. John and Knights
of the Crusades attacked the city walls, the Saracens first threw glass
bombs containing highly flammable liquids and then flaming torches. Many
knights were severely burned, some suffering agonizing deaths. Risking
horrible death, those knights who were able struggled desperately to help
their burning comrades, beating out the flames and dragging them to safety.
In acknowledgment of their heroic deeds of rescuing fellow knights and
fighting fires, the cross they wore was decorated and inscribed.
-
- In 1530, the Island of Malta was given to the courageous
knights. The symbol on their flag, the eight-point cross, became known
as the "Maltese Cross." The cross, which had originally helped
the knights distinguish between friend and foe, became the ultimate symbol
of heroism and service. The cross, which is considered sacred, represents
the principles of charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry, generosity to
friend and foe, protection of the weak and dexterity in service.
-
- Today, firefighters wear the Maltese Cross to symbolize
their willingness to risk their lives to save others from the ravages of
fire. The Maltese Cross is also the symbol used by St John Ambulance across
the world. This is an organization that developed out of the crusades,
and has been known as the Nights of St John. In Australia, St John Ambulance
is a First Aid organization involved in teaching and performing first aid.
Most members are volunteers although in some states they still run the
primary ambulance services.
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