(EDITOR’S NOTE: The following Country Editor article appeared in the January 13, 2005, issue of this newspaper by the late Publisher/Editor Sammy J. Franklin.)

Remember the column I wrote a few weeks ago about Jane Fonda being named as one of the women of the year? Well, I have run across a very good counter balance story to the Fonda article. The wife of Viet Nam veteran told the following story: “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 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 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 book store, 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 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 employee 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.

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 be a VET. I’ll never forget Ann Margret 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.

End of Story. As editor of your hometown newspaper, I never let an opportunity go by without praising our veterans, whether they served in one of the world wars, Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq, or served during peace time.

Thank you, Veterans, for your service to our country.

When you meet a veteran, take time to express your thanks for their service to our country. We do not have to wait until Veterans Day to express our thanks. Any day is a good day to thank a veteran.

We salute all those who have dedicated a portion of their lives in the defense of our country and the freedoms we enjoy.