Gene Autry’s Code of Honor

• A cowboy never takes unfair advantage – even of an enemy.
• A cowboy never betrays a trust. He never goes back on his word.
• A cowboy always tells the truth.
• A cowboy is kind and gentle to small children, old folks, and animals.
• A cowboy is free from racial and religious intolerances.
• A cowboy is always helpful when someone is in trouble.
• A cowboy is always a good worker.
• A cowboy respects womanhood, his parents and his nation’s laws.
• A cowboy is clean about his person in thought, word, and deed.
• A cowboy is a Patriot.

• The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be truthful at all times.
• Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.
• If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.
• Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don’t be lazy.
• Your good deeds always come to light. So don’t boast or be a show-off.
• If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.
• Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.
• A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.
• Our country’s laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.
• Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American
  

• I will be brave, but never careless.
• I will obey my parents. They DO know best.
• I will be neat and clean at all times.
• I will be polite and courteous.
• I will protect the weak and help them.
• I will study hard.
• I will be kind to animals and care for them.
• I will respect my flag and my country.
• I will attend my place of worship regularly

• I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.
• That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
• That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.
• In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
• That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.
• That “this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people,” shall live always.
• That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
• That sooner or later…somewhere…somehow…we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.
• That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever.
• I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

• Be neat and clean.
• Be courteous and polite.
• Always obey your parents.
• Protect the weak and help them.
• Be brave, but never take chances.
• Study hard and learn all you can.
• Be kind to animals and care for them.
• Eat all your food and never waste any.
• Love God and go to Sunday School regularly.
• Always respect our flag and our country.

• Lord, I reckon I’m not much just by myself,
  
• I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do.
  
• But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high,
  
• Help me ride it straight the whole way through.
  
• And when in the falling dusk I get that final call,
  
• I do not care how many flowers they send,
  
• Above all else, the happiest trail would be
  
• For YOU to say to me, “Let’s ride, My Friend”
  AMEN

• Be Alert.
• Be Obedient.
• Defend the Weak.
• Never Desert a Friend.
• Never Take Unfair Advantage.
• Be Neat.
• Be Truthful.
• Uphold Justice.
• Live Cleanly.
• Have Faith in God.

• Live each day with courage.
• Take pride in your work.
• Always finish what you start.
• Do what has to be done.
• Be tough, but fair.
• When you make a promise, keep it.
• Ride for the brand.
• Talk less and say more.
• Remember that some things aren’t for sale.
• Know where to draw the line.

• Keep your fences horse-high, pig-tight & bull-strong.
• Keep skunks & bankers & lawyers at a distance.
• Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.  
• A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.  
• Words that soak into your ears are whispered…not yelled.
• Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight.  
• Forgive your enemies.  It messes up their heads.  
• Don’t corner something that would normally run from you.
• It doesn’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.  
• You cannot unsay a cruel word.
• Every path has a few puddles.  
• When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
• The best sermons are lived, not preached.
• Most of the stuff people worry about is never gonna happen anyway.
• Don’t judge folks by their relatives.  
• Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.  
• Don’t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.  
• Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.  
• Sometimes you get, & sometimes you get got.  
• Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.  
• Always drink upstream from the herd.  
• Good judgment comes from experience, & a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
• If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.

And last but not least:

Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.