Ann Margret

----- Original Message -----
From: lowrey
To: twobleep@worldlinkisp.com ; Kelly's ; tjj@Crosstel.net ;
ssevans@cablelynx.com ; Steff Hale ; safetyjohn@cox.net ; izzyb ;
arlena calico ; sharon
Sent: Monday, April 05, 2004 6:14 PM
Subject: Fw: Ann Margaret


And I never really liked Ann Margaret. Now I have a new respect for
her.
----- Original Message -----
From: Val LeClair
To: Willis ; Toni & Family ; Sheila ; Scott Crow ; Sandra Hemmert ;
Rusty James ; Porter ; Kevin ; Ken Akin ; Joyce Rose ; Joany ; Jim
LeClair ; Jerry/Work ; Jeff pask ; Jeep Doherty ; Jean Chenault ; George
Harris ; Ed & Carol ; Dixie Reed ; Debbie Johnson ; Debbie Hegna ; Dawn
; David LeClair ; Clifford & Levada ; Buddy ; Bob & Sarah Prazak ; Barb

Sent: Sunday, April 04, 2004 6:56 PM
Subject: Ann Margaret


My husband, Richard, 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, 8x10 black and 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 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 should
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 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.

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, and 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 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 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.