We saw this in one of our Facebook groups and wanted to share it here, too. The original author is unknown.
Richard (my husband) never really talked a lot about his time in Vietnam, other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8×10 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. 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 GIs 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.”
Ann-Margret took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, “This is one of my gentlemen from Vietnam 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-Margret 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.
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.
And thank you for your service.
My eyes leak every time I read this story. I was late teens early 20s during that time. Many friends left for Nam. Some came home, some didn’t. The ones that returned were not the same as when they left. All were and are haunted by what they experienced.
True. If you can stand to see old men cry, visit The Wall. You might see me looking for the names of two of my friends.
This comment made my eyes leak. So poignant.
Mine too. I get weepy just trying to say “Thank you” to a service person.
I entered the service at the very end of the Vietnam war, so I am technically a Vietnam veteran. I never served overseas during my 10 years of service, but I served with a lot of people who did and I have heard first hand accounts of what they lived through. I am proud of my service and the sacrifices I made, but those that have served in combat have earned a level of respect and honor that is above anything I can put into words. God bless all of them
Beautiful story and definitely a tear jerker. God bless!
After 16 weeks of army infantry combat basic training most of our group went to Korea just after the fighting ended. Some of them lost toes from frostbite while in wet foxholes. A few of us were sent to Alaska to protect air bases in the event of Russian invasion. Some of the older troops that I served with had served in World War 2. One sergeant explained to me how debilitated he sometimes got from the malaria that he got overseas.