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 Margaret
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 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 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 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.
Ann Margaret
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 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 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 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.
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 other service.
TRUST IN THE LORD.
FRANK ZUPAN
