XPost: alt.war.vietnam

im Walsh
AttuSgpus72out5nso 0h3are311d ·

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
Margret 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 were the only one there.
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.
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.
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.
A True Patriot Will Pass This On. A Foreigner In This Country Might Not.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

XPost: alt.war.vietnam

On 4/11/21 4:12 am, a425couple wrote:

im Walsh
AttuSgpus72out5nso 0h3are311d  ·

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 Margret 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 were the only one there.
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.
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.
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.
A True Patriot Will Pass This On. A Foreigner In This Country Might Not.

Good !

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)