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 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 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. 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 that I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come
cheap, and I am grateful for all those men and women 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 men and women make.
It would be nice if this gets around to Jane Fonda,
Sean Penn, Alec Baldwin, Barbara Streisand, Ed Asner and the rest of Hollywood's
far Leftist elite who presume to force their beliefs on all the rest of the
country.
Ray Lau
LAUOHANA@aol.com
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