The "Hostage Cross" is so called because it was the one seen worn by Kathryn "Kate" Koon during Easter Services at the American Embassy in Iran. Kate was one of the two women hostages being held there during the Crisis of 1979.

This cross, a symbol of faith and devotion, was a gift from the congregation of Messiah Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia, where Kate and her sister at one time attended services.

Sent to Kate at the beginning of the Lenten Season it was not known if she had received the cross until the film clips shown on National TV confirmed that she was indeed wearing it. At that point the State Department also knew that mail was being received by the hostages.

Kate's congregation wanted to witness their faith and support to her and all the hostages, but Kate became a greater witness by openly wearing the cross and showing that her faith was still strong.

Originally called the Trumpet Cross, it was designed to symbolize the Easter Story, and intended as a Lenten symbol of devotion to be used by church groups. Kate's showing it to the world leads us to offer it to the world that all may share with her the powerful message of Christian Faith.

On one side of the cross, the four points represent the "nails" used in the Crucifixion of Christ. The symbol at the center is a representation of the round tombstone used in Biblical times.

On the reverse side, the "nails" become trumpets heralding the Joy of His Victory. They announce that God's Love gives His Peace and that all should walk in that Faith and Hope.

The cross is a universal reminder that Christ died for all the people, for hostages and for captors, for families and for nations. We do not need a divided world, but the Promised one in which all live in harmony.