​The Significance of the Cross of Malta

The Cross of Malta is VFW’s emblem. The cross can trace its lineage back to the
Crusades and the first brotherhood of warriors called the Knights of St. John. The
knights represented all walks of life, but were united by a solemn pledge of unwavering
courage and compassion. While they fought in numerous battles, they continued
ministering to the sick, needy, and poor.

The original cross of eight points also was adopted as an insignia by the knights
because it represented the eight Beatitudes prescribed in the Sermon on the Mount.
Even though the cross had a religious significance, it became the battle standard for the
liberation of all who suffered oppression.

Today the image of the cross still has eight points. In the center is superimposed the
Great Seal of the United States, encircled by the name, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States.

The American eagle, the emblem of a proud nation of many generations of warriors
who fought and sacrificed to preserve the freedom each of us enjoys today, is the very
center of the cross. Finally, added between the four arms of the cross are the rays of
the sun to emphasize the warmth and vigor with which we defend our ideals.

When each of us joined the Veterans of Foreign Ware, we pledged to preserve and
advance the principles of our organization. Principles entrusted to us by our departed
comrades and the same principles we will entrust to the next generation who follow us.

When you accept the cap placed on your head with the Cross of Malta embroidered on
the right side, do it with pride, because it represents who we are, what we do,, and why
we do it.