Thank You All Soldiers Now and Then

This is a good counter balance story to the
Jane Fonda Vietnam Woman
Of The Year story..



Viet Nam 1966

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 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 bookstore
at 12 o'clock for the 7:30pm 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 Margret 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 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.






Don't be too busy today...
Share this inspiring message with
friends and family.

On behalf of those who DO appreciate
all that you did for us,
thank you to each of you who receive
this message who have served
or are serving our country
in the armed services or any other service.





IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND
OUR TROOPS,
PLEASE,
FEEL FREE TO STAND IN
FRONT OF THEM!