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 & 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 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 Margaret came out looking as
beautiful as ever and, as 2nd 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 was the only
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.
Richard, like many others, came home to
people who spit on him and shouted ugly
things at him. 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 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
our Armed Forces.
Freedom does not come cheap and I am
grateful for all those who have served
their country. If you'd like to pass on
this story, feel free to do so.
Perhaps it will help others to become
aware of how important it is to
acknowledge the contribution our service
people make..
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