Ann Margaret and Her Gentlemen

email | D&S Grogan and Bob Edwards

[perfect stranger]

Ann Margaret and Her Gentlemen!
Text forwarded by D&S Grogan and Bob Edwards

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, 8X10 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 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". 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. Tha 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 that 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.

I hope this gets around to Jane Fonda!

God Bless Our Armed Forces!

[perfect stranger]

What a great story.

This lady has "class". Jane Russell also has "class".

I searched for Ann Margaret, and I'm posting to General Interest. Sorry I couldn't figure out how to post this to Chat. Maybe I can get some help with that.

[ILBBACH]

Tears welled up in my eyes, too. Great story!

[Cagey]

I searched for Ann Margaret, and I'm posting to General Interest. Sorry I couldn't figure out how to post this to Chat. Maybe I can get some help with that.

Good news and bad news. General Interest is chat. There are a handful of us purgatorites who do stop and check out the stories here, though. I think we're up to 34 now.

Nice story.

[gcruse]

Make it 35. I check General once a day. Oh, and Ann-Margaret didn't always were knickers during her USO appearances on the elevated stages. Or so those who have pictures say....