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Archiver > NJ-MEMORIES > 2003-03 > 1047373467


From: betty <>
Subject: [NJ-Memories] Ann Margaret - True Story
Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2003 10:04:29 +0100


I received this in an email and do not know who wrote it but
thought it worth passing it
on if you will allow it.
Yhank you Betty in NJ

I thought you would like to see the attached copy of a story
about a Viet Nam vet and Ann Margaret which is written by the
vet's wife. It is unique and well worth reading. 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 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.




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