Our flag

The FNE Explorers’ flag incorporates the emblem on a background of white over black. Our flag is normally flown while at camp. It represents a form of spiritual protection. The white represents day, and the black represents night as our program runs both day and night. White also represents goodness and love, which overcome hate and evil, represented by black.

A red Maltese cross with a golden flor-de-lys is the emblem for the entire FNE/FSE movement. The Maltese cross evokes the ancient ideal of chivalry, particularly that of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. The red color represents the blood Our Savior shed on the Cross for us. The golden color of the fleur-de-lys symbolizes the light of Christ. It is the symbol used on old maps to point north and likewise points us to Christ. The three petals remind us of the ideals of an Explorer: freedom, dedication and purity. The eight points of the Maltese Cross symbolize the Eight Beatitudes with which Our Lord opened the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-10):

• Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
• Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
• Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
• Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.
• Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’s sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.