we can be tankful that we have some of these loving patriots...
Posted on 03/19/2013 8:18:47 AM PDT by Baynative
Vietnam 1966
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.
we can be tankful that we have some of these loving patriots...
Thanks but I could have gone with out seeing Hanoi Jane
ping
Welcome home, bro. Thank you for your service.
Great story. What a difference between the two.
She is the best along with Raquel Welch and let’s not forget the Andrew Sisters and all the other GREATS of the old Hollywood. God bless you Miss Ann.
Wow, great story! Kudos to A-M for entertaining the troops and for honoring their service. To hell with Hanoi Jane.
Wow, a story with a happy ending. How rare is that anymore?!
Too bad that Hanoi Jane picture isn’t one of those LiveLeak videos from an Apache.
Does Jane Fonda do book signings in Ho Chi Minh City?
Does Jane Fonda do book signings in Ho Chi Minh City?
Are you sure she knows how to write a book?
I did not know that Ann Margret was born Ann-Margret Olsson in Stockholm. Makes me think even more of her.
Classy lady.
Ummm... a lot of celebrity books are “co-written”.
Ummm... a lot of celebrity books are “co-written”.
Thanks for that ping... I have no idea why my monitor went blurry when I read that.
It's been ten years since we met, I hope you're well.
When wrote greats I meant her, you were reading my mind, Kat Smith too with God Bless America!
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