John R. Houk
© April 5, 2011
Not long ago Jane Fonda had a book written about her that focused on whether her actions in North Vietnam wee fact or fiction. The theme about the Fonda visit and Vietnam war milieu is that everything about her Hanoi Jane image was a fabrication by Right Wing war mongers. Is it true that Fonda got a bad rap as Hanoi Jane?
It is absolutely true! Hanoi was a traitor. Jane Fonda is a traitor today for justifying her actions in North Vietnam and only apologizing for hurting Vietnam Vets’ feelings but not for what for her actions in North Vietnam.
Unfortunately a series of Chain Letters have spread around the Internet taking the facts about Hanoi Jane’s North Vietnam visit and adding fiction to drive home the point of her treasonous acts. I say unfortunate because Leftist authors like Jerry Lembcke who have used the fictional chain email as a reason to debunk and exonerate all of Fonda’s treason of giving comfort and support to the enemy.
Now let’s contrast Hanoi Jane’s treason with an act of patriotism for Vietnam Vets by another attractive celebrity that also had stunning beauty. I mean face it, traitor Jane was dang pretty in the ‘60s and ‘70s. This is part of the reason that her treason stands out in memory when other traitorous Americans’ names are nearly an also-ran in recognition forgotten. Who is that stunning beauty that perfectly contrasts Hanoi Jane?
That person is sex-symbol Ann-Margaret who is still a beauty in her elder days. Another e-chain email is floating around the Internet that tells a story about Ann-Margaret and a grateful Vietnam Vet who remembers her USO show brought to the troops by Bob Hope. He had kept a picture of Ann-Margaret and went to a recent book signing appearance for her to sign his photo after all these years. I don’t know how true this e-chain letter is. You can go to the truth-fraud sites to check the validity. One thing is true though. Ann-Margaret did entertain troops in Vietnam. Veterans have such fond memories of Ann-Margaret’s patriotism. She was even made Patriot of the Year at a Mobile, Alabama Veteran’s Parade in 2010.
Contrast Ann-Margaret’s memory with Hanoi Jane.
JRH 4/5/11
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Ann-Margaret
By Cille for group americanwomanpride
Apr 5, '11 9:59 AM
I'm sure most of you have seen this heart warming story but it just goes to show the difference in the Entertainers of past years and what hollyweird is producing now. God Blessed our Warriors with wonderful women like Ann-Margret and I thank Him for it.
From a Vietnam veterans' wife 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 & 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 2nd 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 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.
Richard, like many others, came home to people who spit on him and shouted ugly things at him. 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. 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.
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Contrasting Hanoi Jane and Ann-Margaret
John R. Houk
© April 5, 2011
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Ann-Margaret
Posted at Multiply Group: God Bless our Soldiers, God Bless America
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