Ann Margaret, An American Story
This was emailed to me today.
Here, the wife of a Viet Nam vet tells a short but poignant story. It's a good counter balance to the Jane Fonda "Vietnam" Woman Of The Year story.
Ann Margaret, Viet Nam 1966
In Richard's wife's own words:
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 t he 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.
______
Thank a vet. God bless our soldiers. God bless America.
Here, the wife of a Viet Nam vet tells a short but poignant story. It's a good counter balance to the Jane Fonda "Vietnam" Woman Of The Year story.
Ann Margaret, Viet Nam 1966
In Richard's wife's own words:
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 t he 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.
______
Thank a vet. God bless our soldiers. God bless America.
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I've been in love with Ann Margaret for 40 years! When Bob and the troop came aboard my ship in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ann wasn't with him. We got Raquel Welsh. But to this day, I cannot resist checking out any movie that shows up in the cable listing that I know has Ann featured.[:p][:p][:0][:I] 0 -
She is a great lady and a patriot, not to mention a babe.
Don't forget---We have lots of boys in harm's way right now, who are being more and more frequently disrespected for following the orders of the Commander-In-Chief.0 -
A real women. Not a Hanoi Jane. Hateful Hillary. 0 -
My number one dream girl.[}:)]
A fine woman for sure.0 -
My wife punches me every time I look at her![:o)][:D] 0 -
Here's the link to the original post ...
http://www.jacksjoint.com/ann_margaret.htm0 -
Thanks for this one Slow Hand. I was just a snot nosed brat back then, but I clearly remember the tears and heartache endured by family and friends. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by nunn
She is a great lady and a patriot, not to mention a babe.
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