The Military Code of Honor

The majority of Americans lead daily lives not bound by any set code of conduct. Most pledges that we make are of our own design and only made to those of our own choosing. At most community events the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is usually recited in a dull monotone. The singing of the Star Spangled Banner is used as an advertising tool before Super Bowl games, to either introduce the latest singing sensation or to resurrect the career of some fading superstar.

In the United States Military there is a code of conduct. It was written by Marine Col. F. Brooke Nihart, who recently died at the age of 87. Col. Nihart, was awarded the Navy Cross for distinguished service in the Korean War. He later commanded the Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton.

On Aug. 17, 1955, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an executive order making the code of conduct, written by Nihart, the official credo for Americans in all branches of the military. Every member of the United States Armed Forces recites the code, which was revised in 1977. Article 1, of the Military Code of Conduct states, "I am an American, fighting in the armed forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense."

This year's San Fernando Valley's Third Annual Veterans Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. The theme is "Honoring those Who Served Past and Present." Rear Adm. Joseph Maguire Comdr., Naval Special Warfare Command, will be the Grand Marshal of the parade. The parade will culminate at Ritchie Valens Park where a Street Fair and Carnival will be held.

The parade will begin at San Fernando Mission and Laurel Canyon Boulevards. The streets will be festive and lined with cheering families, friends and supporters. There will be high school and elementary school marching bands, and many other attractions to see. There will be government representatives, celebrities and community dignitaries in the viewing stand.

At that time, please take a moment and know that the men and women representing all branches of the military service and marching proudly before you are also carrying the memories of their comrades past and present upon their shoulders.

And, as the 10 World War II Condors fly overhead, think about the veterans and the sacrifice each one of them, past and present, made and continue to make because one fateful day they raised their hands and took the pledge to give their lives for "our" country.

Story # 2

Women Warriors

Women have served and given their lives in American conflicts for centuries.

During World War II, the Women Army Corps (WAC) was established. In 1978, Congress ended the WAC's separate status and assimilated them into the other branches of the Armed Forces.

In 1962, Betty Martinez Boyd joined the WAC as a clerk typist. She received six weeks of boot camp training at Fort McClellan in Alabama. In her own words, she joined because " I loved my country, I wanted to travel and see the world." Betty went into the Women Army Corps when women in the Army were scarce and for Hispanic women, it was unheard of. Although her grandmother had three sons in the military including one who had fought in the Korean Conflict, she threatened to never speak to Betty again if she joined.

Betty wanted to follow in the footsteps of her father Ben Martinez who had joined the Navy and fought in World War II, so she braved the possibility of the losing her grandmother's love and enlisted. Needless to say, her first time home, dressed in her uniform her grandmother welcomed her proudly as part of their military family.

In October of 1962, President Kennedy called for a blockade because of the Cuban missile crisis. At the Presidio where Betty was stationed, military training began in tropical warfare. There was standing in lines for shots to prevent tropical diseases such as Yellow Fever. She was allowed to be no further than nine minutes from her barracks. The country was on the brink of World War III. Finally the Russian ships turned back.

"It was a scary time, but a job had to be done and I am proud to be a part of the history of women in uniform during a time God wanted me to serve my country."

On Saturday November 11 at 11 a.m., attend the annual San Fernando Valley's Third Annual Veteran's Day Parade. Get a good seat at the starting point located at San Fernando Mission and Laurel Canyon Blvd. Be there early to cheer for "woman warrior" PFC Betty Martinez Boyd and her fellow comrades at arms.

Story # 3

Semper Fi

Always Faithful

On Nov. 10, 1776 the Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that two battalions of "marines be raised" for service as landing forces for the fleet. This established the Continental Marines and marked the birth of the United States Marine Corps.

During its entire history the Marine Corps has never experienced a mutiny. "They are dedicated to each other, their service and their country." Their Latin motto, Semper Fidelis means "Always Faithful" not sometimes faithful, not usually faithful, but always faithful. To a Marine this is not negotiable, it is not relative, but absolute.

Joe Pinoy Lozano was born in Pacoima, Calif. in 1934. As a youngster he migrated with his family back and forth across the United States picking the crops that sustained the dinner tables of America. He has faced his share of hard times, like gas, food and cigarette rationing during the forties. He has shined shoes for the pachucos and soldiers during World War II. He has faced discrimination against Mexicans in Idaho and picked cotton under harsh circumstances.

In 1954 Joe join the United States Marines in San Jose, Calif. and he states, "I spent three years in the Marine Corps, which were the best years of my life."

Right after Boot Camp he was sent to Japan where he was a flame-thrower and manned a 3.5 rocket launcher. Joe's main job was being a guard at brigs and aboard ships. After five months in Japan he was moved to Okinawa and also Bangkok.

Since getting out of the Marines in 1958, marrying, working in the television industry, raising six children and helping to raise 20 grandkids and seven great-grandkids, Joe is now retired and involved in his community. His battle now is removing graffiti and helping to keep his community clean. But just mention the motto "Sempre Fi" and a light comes into his eyes. He stands tall, true and strong because "Once a Marine always a Marine."

On Nov. 11, at 11a.m., be at the starting point of the San Fernando Valley's Third Annual Veteran's Day Parade, located at San Fernando Mission and Laurel Canyon Blvd.

Joe, because he is "Always Faithful," will be there joining the ranks of volunteers assisting to help make this years parade and the festival immediately following at Ritchie Valens Park, the best ever.