Community Commentary -- Luke Burrett

In response to some negative feedback and concerns regarding our “SS”

Cross shirts, we at Silver Star would like to address our feelings and

respond to those who believe we are a racist and pro-fascist company

(“Company pulls logo after Sailor protest,” June 11). In our defense, we

would like to give the uneducated members of the community and those

worldwide a brief history lesson of the iron cross and the Maltese cross.

The iron cross is an ancient medal of honor and bravery used in

ancient times. Originally established on March 10, 1814, by King

Friedrich Wilhelm III, and reestablished on Aug. 5, 1914, by Wilhelm II,

Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia, the iron cross was awarded

without discrimination for acts of bravery and heroism and leadership

skills.

The Maltese cross is a badge of courage and honor dating back hundreds

of years. The symbol originated from the Knights of St. John of

Jerusalem, whose protective services were given to the people of the

Island of Malta. Now known as the Knights of Malta, their symbol, the

Maltese cross, which is considered sacred, represents the principles of

charity, loyalty, chivalry, gallantry and generosity to friend and foe,

protection of the weak and dexterity in service. The Maltese cross is now

the symbol of the firefighter and is an internationally recognized symbol

for fire service and sacrifice.

Therefore, the intent of Silver Star was to produce a shirt with a

symbol that can be worn with pride and reflect the company positively and

not to cause controversy, harm or other negative feelings toward the

community and nationwide.

Parents, teachers, principals of distinguished schools and members of

the media: Please educate yourselves, your peers and, more importantly,

your children before you quickly jump to a conclusion about a symbol that

has positive meanings, as well as a deep, rich history.

Children should express themselves freely and should not be punished

before you even understand what you’re punishing them for. We cherish and

embrace the youth of the community, as well as the youth of America, and

would not intend that they wear anything that would reflect any kind of

racism or discrimination or that would negatively reflect our company.

Our company’s success and future success is based on the distribution

of innovative and stylish clothing, jewelry and accessories based on

American ideals, not on fascist-driven ideas.

* LUKE BURRETT is the president of Silver Star Casting Co.