MEETING ANN MARGARET
Don't know if you
guys have seen this, but a friend sent it to me, and I thought you might like
it. Dave Gray
WELCOME HOME BROTHERS;
Subject: Ann Margaret Is One of the Few!
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.
Richard, like many others, came home to people who spit on him and shouted ugly
things at him. 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.