Sunday, June 19, 2016

Appreciation of Ex-Servicemen - A real incident from USA Worth Your Time to Read For all Indians, particularly Netas and Babus


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 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 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.

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.

A True Patriot Will Pass This On.

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED. GOLDA MEIR.

"KINDNESS IS THE LANGUAGE THE BLIND CAN SEE AND THE DEAF CAN HEAR." MARK TWAIN


(Source - Via e-mail from Brig V A Subramanyam (Retd)

5 comments:

  1. Veterans are viewed differently in our country. Like the other elders, veterans are burden on the public.

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  2. Its such a pity that we keep self patting ourselves and then find no one around.
    Our PM visits Arlington Cemetery in USA and then goes on to address their joint session of senate proudly talking of the final sacrifice and nations obligation towards its men.
    See link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd-FjvirLXw
    While in India we still languish for a National War Memorial and most maimed & disabled still fight their loan legal battles against the same government for their justified pay and pension.
    Dil behlane ke liye yey kahaniya aachhi hein ...
    Aur kisi ki na sahi , ye aansu haamari aankho ko hi patthar kar de

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  3. Our honourable Finance Minister and Prime Minister may take note of it.

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  4. In USA lady respected the soldier who fought Vietnam war kissed him signed the group photo of himand lady
    He was very happy with her action

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  5. To be read by the thankless politicians who said that the Jawans are paid to die....... Salary paid, the end of any obligation ??

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