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Archiver > NJ-MEMORIES > 2003-03 > 1047427107


From: "Carl Suk" <>
Subject: Re: [NJ-Memories] Ann Margaret - True Story
Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2003 17:58:29 -0600
References: <20030311090429.EAAD6884.pop018.verizon.net@[172.17.10.210]>


Betty,

That's a great story, I have seen it before, thanks for sending it around
again, Many of us appreciate it.

Carl
----- Original Message -----
From: "betty" <>
To: <>
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2003 3:04 AM
Subject: [NJ-Memories] Ann Margaret - True Story


>
>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
>
>
> ==============================
> To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records,
go to:
> http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237
>
>


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