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The Maltese cross or cross of Promise, is related to the Sovereign Ex-territorial State St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Malta Supreme Military Hospital Order. The order runs an activity in many countries similar to that of the Red Cross, and has diplomatic representation in several of the world's major cities. The eight points of the cross symbolize the eight qualities of a knight: loyalty, piety, generosity, courage, honor and glory, contempt of death, helpfulness, and reverence for the Church. This cross is also found on the seal of the Order of Knight Templars. The order was inaugurated by eight knights in 1118, who in the presence of the patriarch of Jerusalem vowed, among other things, to defend pilgrims travelling to the Holy City.
This cross form is used on the Maltese merchant marine flag. It is also the form used for the most important order medals in many countries.
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