From
a Viet Nam veterans' wife 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.
