OldDog/NewTricks
Well-known member
This is very revealing and something that is, unfortunately not too
common these days.
Ann Margret....
This is a good counter-balance story to the Jane Fonda Vietnam Woman
Of The Year story.
Viet Nam1966
Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in
Viet Nam , other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had
a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO
show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of
his treasures.
A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local
bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the
treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the
7:30 signing.
When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the
bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking
garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that
she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.
Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let
her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home.
Ann Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in
line, it was soon Richard's turn.
He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo.
When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she
would not sign it. Richard said, 'I understand. I just wanted her to
see it.'
She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she
said, 'This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most
certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their
country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.''
With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big
kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the
young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how
much she appreciated them.. There weren't too many dry eyes among
those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as
if he were the only one there.
Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like
to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears..
'That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the
Army,' he said.
That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little
straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been
a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how
much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.
I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come
across who served in our Armed Forces.. Freedom does not come cheap
and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.
Perhaps forwarding this message will help others to become aware of
how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service
people make.
A true Patriot will pass this on. A Foreigner in this country might
not.
Don't be too busy today...
Share this inspiring message with friends and family.
On behalf of those who DO appreciate all that you did for us,
thank you to each of you who receive this message who have served or
are serving our country in the armed services or any other service.
common these days.
Ann Margret....
This is a good counter-balance story to the Jane Fonda Vietnam Woman
Of The Year story.
Viet Nam1966
Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in
Viet Nam , other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had
a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO
show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of
his treasures.
A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local
bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the
treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the
7:30 signing.
When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the
bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking
garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that
she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.
Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let
her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home.
Ann Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in
line, it was soon Richard's turn.
He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo.
When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she
would not sign it. Richard said, 'I understand. I just wanted her to
see it.'
She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she
said, 'This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most
certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their
country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.''
With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big
kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the
young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how
much she appreciated them.. There weren't too many dry eyes among
those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as
if he were the only one there.
Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like
to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears..
'That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the
Army,' he said.
That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little
straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been
a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how
much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.
I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come
across who served in our Armed Forces.. Freedom does not come cheap
and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.
Perhaps forwarding this message will help others to become aware of
how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service
people make.
A true Patriot will pass this on. A Foreigner in this country might
not.
Don't be too busy today...
Share this inspiring message with friends and family.
On behalf of those who DO appreciate all that you did for us,
thank you to each of you who receive this message who have served or
are serving our country in the armed services or any other service.
