Tuesday, January 31, 2012

True Story of Ann Margret

True Story of Ann Margret
This is one that should be on the front page of all our newspapers and part of Prime-Time News! ...
Ann Margret....
This is a good counter-balance story to the (Hanoi)
Jane Fonda, "Vietnam Woman Of The Year," story.


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 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.

A True Patriot Will Pass This On. A Foreigner In This Country Might Not.

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.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I gotta say, I dont care how old she is, she is amazing looking, and what fiery passion to be herself, and not be a atypical hollywood celeb. I hope she lives long and prospers.

idrockstar said...

WOW - What a great post! A good friend of mine started a national campaign - literally called "the Gratitude Campaign" that's purpose is to share with the public how they can and should show their appreciation for those who serve. Their video literally brings me to tears when I watch it and I always go out of my way to thank anyone in uniform or anyone I discover has served for my freedom and safety. You can check it out online at thegratitudecampaign.org. I too hope it will help spread the message of gratitude to the veterans out there who deserve to be acknowledged!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for that post on Ann Margarett. What a Girl! GOD bless her. I will send that story to my two brothers who served in the armed forces. I always make it a point to congratulate them on veterans day. I do not agree with wars, specially knowing what i know now, but our soldiers do serve with pride, honor and sence of responsibility. My older brother still suffers from a wound in the stomach he received in vietnam, and the hunting memories of that war still get to him so badly at times that he has to seek psychological help. This is a typical syndrom so widely over-looked that the vets have to fight very hard to receive treatment for that mental condition. Many of them get so fed up after denial of treatment that they end up abandoned or wandering on the streets homeless. One of my projects after iqd rv is to set up a non-profit to help the vets; I invite you to also extend your help on this endevour where ever you see the need. My deepest thank you to any Vet here who reads this message, you are true heroes.