"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 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 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 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.
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."
"Credit to the Respective Owner"

Wow, great post. She was a class act and a real beauty!

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class act,

No dry eye here either. Always thank our vets, very Classy!

Always Remember
& Thank The Vets - She Was amazing too!

Just had a flash back. She's STILL a beauty!

Good post 330.

That is an awesome story

I got to see a Bob Hope show in 1990 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Due to where we were the only woman at the show was Bob's wife. That was the first time I heard Aaron Tippin sing. About 10 years or so ago my daughter was going to a show where Aaron Tippin was singing and I told her about the Bob Hope show. As it turned out she got to talk to him and told him about me being at the Riyadh show. He told her to thank me for my service and if I was ever in Sparta, TN to look him up and say Hi. I think all the people doing Bob Hope's shows were great patriots or they wouldn't have been doing the shows in the first place.

Thank you

Awesome! Love it.

Since I am from that era I have seen this a time or two, still tear up an enjoy the post, thank you.

Awesome.Good for her,,and Hanoi Jane can rot in"you know where".

Bob Hope and Ann Margaret were true patriots, not like some of the Hollywood scum you see now.
Ann Margaret will always be gorgeous and a class act until the day she dies.

Great story! God bless the USA.

wws