

During the war in Vietnam, the appalling conditions our captured men were subjected to, the interrogations and torture, but most of all the realization that part of the nation they loved and were fighting for-pacifists and anti-war activists-disparaged their sacrifice and were even helping the enemy win the battle of American public opinion, all of this had to have brought on moments of sadness, despondency, and self-questioning–“What’s the point? What am I fighting for after all?” In those troubled moments, recourse to prayer and these short lines of the U.S. That being said, it should not trick you into thinking that chivalry was a formal law written down for knights to observe. In other words, chivalry was a specified code of conduct which spelled out the virtues of real warriors. Honor, loyalty, discipline, sacrifice, in a word, chivalry is woven into these articles. Chivalry was a medieval era ethical concept which summarized the ideal behavior expected of Middle Age warriors (knights). I will trust in my God and the United States of America. I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.Īrticle 6. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give my name, rank, service number, and date of birth. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.Īrticle 5. I will give no information nor take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. Knights were required to tell the truth at all times and always respect the honour of women. Chivalry arose from an idealized German custom. Essentially, a chivalric knight is a Christian military soldier. If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. Chivalry, or the Chivalric Code, is the traditional code of conduct associated with the medieval institution of knighthood. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.Īrticle 4.

But during the Middle Ages, the code was established for much grittier reasons. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. In the 21st century, the word chivalry evokes a kind of old-fashioned male respect for women. If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. An online dictionary states chivalry is the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, especially courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak. If in command, I will never surrender my men while they still have the means to resist.Īrticle 3.
#CHIVALRY CODE AN WOMEN FREE#
I will never surrender of my own free will. I will serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life.Īrticle 2. her job was to acknowledge the good and virtuous works which were being done by the knight, to praise him for being brave, just and courteous, and, by doing this, to guide him along the path of true chivalry rather.
