Fw: Ann Margret - classy lady- a great veteran's day story!

[Guest guest]

Ann Margret....

This is a good counter-balance story to the Jane

Fonda,

" Vietnam Woman Of The Year, " story.

Viet Nam 1966

, (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 Margret was doing a book

signing at a local bookstore. 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.

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 Margret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in

line, it was soon '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. 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 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, 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 Margret 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.