Ann Margaret and Her Gentlemen

[prmama]

Viet Nam 1966

This is a story about a Viet Nam vet and Ann Margaret as told by the
vet's wife.

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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 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 Viet Nam," 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.