Angelz Posted September 19, 2020 Member ID: 24295 Group: **- Inactive Registered Users Followers: 11 Topic Count: 272 Topics Per Day: 0.09 Content Count: 2311 Content Per Day: 0.78 Reputation: 2829 Achievement Points: 20239 Solved Content: 0 Days Won: 17 Joined: 03/27/16 Status: Offline Last Seen: January 2, 2021 Share Posted September 19, 2020 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. TBB, Tw33tle_Dee, Woody_Ger and 4 others 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lTplkey336 Posted September 19, 2020 Member ID: 27768 Group: *** Clan Members Followers: 10 Topic Count: 4 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 935 Content Per Day: 0.52 Reputation: 1133 Achievement Points: 7739 Solved Content: 0 Days Won: 1 Joined: 05/18/19 Status: Offline Last Seen: 8 hours ago Device: Windows Share Posted September 19, 2020 Thank you Richard for your service , you are very much appreciated in my eyes and my countries eyes! Thank you again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Awards
Cotton Posted September 19, 2020 Member ID: 1606 Group: *** Clan Members Followers: 11 Topic Count: 9 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 87 Content Per Day: 0.02 Reputation: 60 Achievement Points: 691 Solved Content: 0 Days Won: 0 Joined: 07/23/10 Status: Offline Last Seen: Tuesday at 12:49 AM Birthday: 03/24/1970 Device: Windows Share Posted September 19, 2020 Such a great and emotional story. Thank you for sharing and of course thank you to Richard for his service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options... Awards
luckyriver Posted September 19, 2020 Member ID: 28402 Group: ***- Inactive Clan Members Followers: 0 Topic Count: 3 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 91 Content Per Day: 0.07 Reputation: 67 Achievement Points: 1457 Solved Content: 0 Days Won: 0 Joined: 07/22/20 Status: Offline Last Seen: January 15 Device: Windows Share Posted September 19, 2020 Thanks for sharing and thanks to Richard for his time in the Army for Vietnam war! Did he serve during the years before of Fall of Saigon ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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