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 Margaret with Bob Hope
in the background that was one of his
treasures.
A few years ago, Ann Margaret 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 diappointed, 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 Margaret 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 apprecieated
them. There weren't too
many dry eyes among those close enough to hear.
She then posed for pictures and
acted as if he was 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 soldier.
I'll never forget Ann Margaret
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 the armed forces. Freedom does not
come cheap and I am grateful for
all those who have served their country.
Don't be too busy today . . .
Share this inspiring message with friends and family.
Editor's note: The treatment
of US Service personnel returning from
Vietnam after putting their
lives on the line for their country is a
BLACK STAIN
on US History. Some
of the villains are still around
[Jane Fonda, John Kerry to
name a couple]