Ann Margret

With John Kerry's recent failed bid for the Presidency names of other American traitors such as Hanoi Jane Fonda once again became common place.

In spite of all of this negativism there are other great stories to come from the Vietnam era. While I do not know the origin, author or authenticity of this story a close friend asked me to post it so please enjoy:

Viet Nam 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.

Thanks Bill, that is far better than any of the horrors of John Kerry, Hanoi Jane or the so called Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

SlagleRock Out!

Posted by SlagleRock at January 3, 2005 07:32 AM