As you travel on the highway, perhaps during the daily commute, you probably notice the trend to add personalized decals to cars and trucks. This trend allows people to express themselves as belonging to a specific group or to display their hobbies and interests. Decals are available in all sorts of shapes, colors and styles and have advanced in leaps and bounds from the days of bumper stickers. Have you noticed cars with a unique looking cross decals on the road? Have you ever wondered what the symbol means or where it comes from? The cross decals you've noticed is most likely a Maltese Cross. It can easily be identified by the eight points that extend outward from the center of the cross to form four separate petals. The Maltese Cross has come to be a universal symbol for the fire service, and the four petals are said to represent the qualities of courage, compassion, bravery, and commitment to Duty. However, there is an interesting history behind the Maltese Cross.

Maltese cross decals actually date back to a cross that was used in the 11th century in Jerusalem. During this time, there was a group called the Knights Hospitallers, who wore the eight-point white cross against a black background. The Knights came to be recognized for the service they provided in giving care to the sick or injured and to those who had limited means of living. The order of knights eventually came to be one of the most recognized and powerful orders in history and were well supported financially by appreciative people who had received their assistance. Over the years, the cross worn by the knights came to be a badge of honour, due to the heroic acts the knights of St. John performed on behalf of the people. The symbol is very similar to the one that is worn today on fire fighter's uniforms and the cross decals displayed on their vehicles. In the year 1530, the island nation of Malta, where the Knights of Saint John had served people for over four hundred years, was officially given the cross that had originally been worn by the Hospitallers. It is now a symbol of the nation of Malta as well. Thus, this unique eight point cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross and is now a fitting symbol for the heroic services provided by the modern day fire service who continue in the tradition of coming to the aid of people who need help.