Ernest O Stolpe made this photo because "I have always enjoyed the history and meaning of symbols. This pretty example appeared on a vehicle outside our fire department in Tyrone. What I found exceptional was after some research how in New Mexico the traditional Maltese cross was combined with the Zia symbol. By combining these two traditional symbols we have a minimum of 24 accepted truths represented."

In his book "Badges of the Bravest" Gary Urbanowicz states that the first use of a Maltese cross was adopted by Fire Department New York in 1865. In Brooklyn they apparently adopted it in 1882. "This article appeared in the September 19, 1882 issue of the Brooklyn Eagle. It says: 'Commissioner Partridge has decided to make a change in the design of the badges of the Fire Department. The present badge is of nickel and in the form of a four-leaf clover. The new one is in the design of a Maltese cross.Gǥ Historically the four stems of the cross represented Faith, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude.

The colors on New Mexico's state flag are the red and yellow of old Spain. The simple, minimalist yet symbolic center design is the ancient Zia sun symbol, now used to represent the unique character of modern New Mexico. This is the official salute to the flag of New Mexico: "I salute the flag of the state of New Mexico, the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures."

The Zia Pueblo Indians have continuously occupied Zia Pueblo since about 1250 A. D. The Pueblo of Zia is part of the Keres Nation. The traditional language is Keresan, but many speak Spanish, some speak Navajo, and most also speak English. The current boundaries of the Pueblo of Zia Reservation cover about 190 square miles or 117,000 acres. Zia Pueblo is located 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Bernalillo and eight miles northwest of Santa Ana Pueblo on U.S. Highway 550.

The Zia Indians of New Mexico regard the Sun as sacred. Their symbol for the sun (a red circle with groups of rays pointing in four directions) is painted on ceremonial vases, drawn on the ground around campfires, and used to introduce newborns to the Sun. Four is the sacred number of the Zia and is seen repeated in the four points radiating from the circle, each consisting of four bars. To the Zia Indians, the number four represents:
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