"Something Worth Fighting For"
This is a good counter balance story to the Jane Fonda " Vietnam " Woman Of The Year story I have re…
This is a good counter balance story to the Jane Fonda " Vietnam " Woman Of The Year story I have received many times in my e-mail.
Ann
Margret
Viet
Nam 1966
Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet
Nam other than he had b een 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.
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.
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 othe r service.
May
God's love bless your house,
Ann
Margret
Viet
Nam 1966
Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet
Nam other than he had b een 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.
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.
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 othe r service.
May
God's love bless your house,
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