Originally
a charitable organization, the Knights were drawn into battle to defend their
city against attacking Saracens. The
Saracens hurled containers filled with flammable liquids onto the defenders, followed
by flaming torches. The Knights were
flamboyant in dress, wearing crimson capes over their armor. The knights rode among their burning
brethren, using their capes to extinguish the fires, demonstrating courage and
gallantry.
As
a reward, the Knights were given the Island of Malta and the eight pointed
symbol became known as the Maltese Cross, one of valor and protection. Regularly used on badges, patches, and
apparatus, the nearly thousand year old emblem has a lineage of honor.
