Price: $300 per team / shield build Class Size: 10 Groups min / 25 Groups Max. 2 members per team. Each additional participant is $25 Max team size is 4 Team build includes: Lunch, Rolling shield, Painting components, hand riveting, installation of leather straps, brass engraving with the individual teams Ethos discussion: definition of warrior attributes. During the build, the group holds discussions about the ethos of a leader and warrior. Teams will also build a piece in support of a fundraising event that will support our wounded warriors and first responders. Shield styles are shown below. Specialty shield designs can be supported for a fee. Price depends on the logo. This is a full day event. 0900am to 4:00pm Items Provided by the Valhalla's Mission Force Team: 16 Gauge high carbon steel shield, rivets, leather straps, Lunch, Paint. Upgrades: Shields mounts, Unique shield designs Teams will sign: Liability waivers and Non Disclosures
Testimonials This was a great family bonding interactive experience. It was also a great time to meet others and build lasting relationships.
Brings us closer with an understanding of the challenges we face as Law enforcement
This is an opportunity for my child and I to communicate and work together to better understand each other. Teamwork within an experience and ending up with a physical piece as a representation of our work at the end is such a great reminder of our time together. I know that Barb noted how staying and doing a build allowed for time to meet and talk with the community we serve and that she saw the immediate impact of your builds Jimmy. Again I am grateful and appreciative and I know that there will be much discussion on how we may be able to collaborate.
HISTORY OF THE MALTESE CROSS
From the days of the first crusade, the cross has been the symbol of the Christian warrior who pledged not only to fight in defense of the Holy Land, but also to protect the lives of his compatriots. The Maltese Cross now worn by modern firefighters is actually an adaptation of a particular crusader insignia, the cross of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. The Knights, one of the oldest orders of warrior monks that fought for Christendom, took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Also known as Hospitallers, the monks maintained a hospital for pilgrims in Jerusalem. Then that city became the centre of the crusade-embattled lands, the brothers militarized their order, but continued to protect pilgrims and extend their charity to the sick and poor. Because of the extensive armor that covered their bodies and faces, the Knights were unable to distinguish friend from foe in battle, so the need for an identifiable emblem for the Knights became crucial. Since they fought their battles for a holy cause, they chose the Cross of Calvary, a white or silver cross on a dark background. After the fall of Jerusalem in 1187, the Knights of St. John moved to the island of Malta. During the crusades, many Knights became firefighters out of necessity. Their enemies had resorted to throwing bombs and sailing war vessels containing naphtha. Hundreds of Knights were burned alive. Others risked their lives to save their brothers in arms from dying painful fiery deaths. Thus these men became our first firefighters and the first of a long list of courageous firefighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow Crusaders who awarded each hero a Badge of Honor ; a cross similar to the one firefighters wear today. The Maltese Cross is your symbol of protection. It means that the firefighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his/her life for you, just as Crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so may years ago. The Maltese Cross is a Firefighter's badge of honor, signifying that he/she works in courage... a ladder-run away from death.
Various Meanings of the Maltese Cross Symbol The four arms of the Maltese cross represent the four Cardinal Values, i.e. prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. As for the total of eight points on these four V-shaped arms, it is believed that they symbolize the eight obligations or aspirations of the knights. These obligations are as follows:
To live life in truth
To be merciful
To repent for one’s sins
To give proof of humility
To love justice
To have faith
To be sincere and wholehearted
To endure persecution
For the modern-day first aiders serving in the Order of St. John, the eight corners of the Maltese cross signify their eight special characteristics or ‘beatitudes’ as they are often called. These traits are as follows:
Observant
Resourceful
Discriminating
Explicit
Persevering
Tactful
Dextrous
Sympathetic
The Maltese Cross
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 2. Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted. 3. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. 4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be satisfied. 5. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. 6. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. 7. Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. 8. Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
two other lists have been found during the research for this paper which are variations of the beatitudes; In one document the eight obligations of the Knights are given as: To live in truth. To have faith. To be sincere. To give proof of humility. To love justice. To be merciful. To endure persecution. To repent of sin. A similar list with slightly differing wording has also been found; Spiritual Joy; to live without malice; to weep over your sins; to humble yourself to those who injure you; to love justice; to be merciful; to be sincere and pure of heart; and to suffer persecution. An additional list of Eight Knightly Virtues. In the Priory of Dacia, in the tradition of the Russian Grand Priory, a list of Knightly Virtues is used not to replace the Beatitudes but to be used in addition; Loyalty. Care for the Church. Helpfulness to the Sick and the Poor. Contempt for Death. Honour and Glory. Courage. Generosity. Piety.
A non-Christian alternative replacement list. What the above lists have in common, is that they are Christian in origin and understanding. The British Royal Order has a secular version, with no reference to the Christian Faith and understanding. “The universal motto of St. John, quite rightly, is: "For the Service of Mankind." The official emblem of St. John Ambulance, and the St. John people around the world, is a white cross. The emblem is significant in that the eight points that span off into the four arms were to put the wearers in mind of always bearing in their hearts the cross of Jesus, adorned with the eight virtues that attend it. Prior to the council of the order in England, the meaning of each point was basically religious. But since then, the meanings have been changed. They are: observation, tact, resource, dexterity, explicitness, discrimination, perseverance and sympathy.” The four Cardinal Virtues stay the same (prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude), due to the fact that they can be read in a non-theological way!