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August 15, 2010
Republican vs. Democrat Women
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At a book signing, actress Ann-Margret autographed a tattered photo presented to her by an ex-G.I. and thanked him for serving his country.
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.
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.
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Wild Thing's comment.........
I really love our side of the isle, and I am proud to be a conservative and a Republican. I know I posted this video before but it is worth posting again and also this time it was neat to have the story about my friend Ann Margaret with it. Thank you Mark.
....Thank you Mark for sending this to me.
Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67
Posted by Wild Thing at August 15, 2010 07:48 AM
Comments
Oh yeah, Ann Margaret. One of the most beautiful, talented and classy women of Hollywood. I do loves her beaucoup too much.
Posted by: TomR, armed in Texas at August 15, 2010 11:11 AM
That pic of Kalid Sheikh Rosie is a classic!
Thanks WT
Posted by: Jim at August 15, 2010 04:38 PM
LOL Tom, sounds like a little RVN lingo. Yes indeed she is the greatest. She is one of my favorites.
Posted by: Mark at August 15, 2010 07:36 PM
Thank you Tom, Jim and Mark. Ann is really a special person.
Posted by: Wild Thing at August 16, 2010 12:12 AM
