I've always thought of Ann-Margret as a classy lady and this story proves it once-and-for-all. It freaking rocks....
Richard, my husband, never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam other than he had been shot by a sniper.
He had a rather grainy, 8X10 black & white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann-Margaret with Bob Hope in the background that 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 book store 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 with many shouts from 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".
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.
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.
God Bless Our Armed Forces!
Comments on Ann-Margret is a Class Act
Comments (0)
|| Posted by Dean Berry -- REAL American, March 7, 2005 09:32 AM ||Comments (0)
WTF does that mean?
|| Posted by Mad Mikey, March 7, 2005 09:56 AM ||Excellent post - thanks for sharing. I liked Gordon's from yesterday - about his friend that had returned from Iraq, too.
|| Posted by GrumpyBunny, March 8, 2005 11:35 AM ||Just don't be surprised if they act embarrassed when you thank them. I always get embarrassed. I don't think it would be different had I seen combat, but will never know.
|| Posted by Army of Dad, March 9, 2005 07:46 AM ||