7 July 2008
Thank a veteran
Posted by Bryon under: General .
This is by the wife of a Vietnam veteran. It was posted at www.specialforces.com. Thank you all who have served my country in the armed services.
Ann Margaret
Vietnam 1966
This was sent to me and I thought it was a GREAT counter balance story to the Jane Fonda Vietnam Woman of the year.
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 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 a round 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.
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.
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 co me cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.
They need to be thanked and the media will not do it for us. Please thank our veterans. They did it for us and we owe them that debt.
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12 Comments so far...
Carrie Says:
7 July 2008 at 10:52 am.
Sometimes I worry that when people complain so much about whether we should be in a war that it hurts the feelings of our soldiers. I worry then that we will have to have the draft again because it is so discouraging to soldiers when they feel like there country doesn’t support them and then there won’t be enough people join the military. I think it is very important to let the soldiers feel that we appreciate there sacrifice and make them feel good about themselves.
Matt Says:
7 July 2008 at 11:12 am.
Nice story. She sure beats Jane Fonda.
Terrie Soberg Says:
7 July 2008 at 12:05 pm.
Her name is actually Ann Margret. My daughter’s name is Annika Margret. I thought the similarity was pretty cool when I figured that out years ago.
swade62362 Says:
7 July 2008 at 12:14 pm.
I saw in 2005 Diamond Rio did a song called “In God we still trust”. They were pressured by radio stations not to release the song to radio because it was not politically correct. However we see it different. It has a message that needs to be heard. It’s up to us a believers to make a difference in this country. So we have re-released the song under the Gospel genre and it’s getting great response across the country. Christian Voice Magazine has it this month as # 46 on their charts. So there is hope for America… I trust in God today, and this nation needs to hear the words of this song… In God We Still Trust….
Skyline Drive — http://www.skylinedriveonline.com
Bryon Says:
7 July 2008 at 12:45 pm.
We found that song a few months back. We made it our theme song and now it is on your right. It is above this post.
Bryon Says:
7 July 2008 at 12:45 pm.
I also love the song and listen occasionally. Thanks for the input.
Cavetrollhead Says:
7 July 2008 at 1:11 pm.
http://www.ann-margret.com/
Ann Margaret’s official website.
Thank you Richard and all Veterans.
Jan W. Says:
7 July 2008 at 2:29 pm.
Good time of year to thank a soldier or a veteran. I am feeling extra grateful for my country lately. Thanks for this blog.
E.E. Says:
7 July 2008 at 2:33 pm.
Also a nice reminder that Hollywood celebrities (some of them) can be human.
Hawk Says:
7 July 2008 at 3:19 pm.
Thank you, this is so important.
Bryon Says:
7 July 2008 at 8:22 pm.
This is an important time to make our soldiers feel good.
SGS Says:
10 July 2008 at 10:50 pm.
Hey. this is a good way to thank those soldiers you may see, especially if you could not afford to pay for their dinners, or to take some time to come up and tell them how you appreciate their sacrifice. Perhaps you are too shy, or too busy with kids around your legs. For whatever reason we could not make some small sacrifices for them at that time in a certain place, this is a good way to show them we appreciate their service. Again, the link is http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/index.php.
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