Ann-Margret Shares Sweet Message for Veterans on Veterans Day

Lauren Novak November 14, 9:30 am

Ann-Margret: From Hollywood with Love. A CBS television musical special. Originally broadcast December 6, 1969. A USO styled musical number takes place on the flight deck of the USS Hornet. Featuring The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. Pictured is Ann-Margret with sailors — CBS via Getty Images

Actress, singer and dancer Ann-Margret has a deep connection to the US military and veterans. After decades of entertaining the troops, Ann-Margret has not forgotten her beloved veterans as she popped on social media to wish them a Happy Veterans Day. Her involvement goes all the way back to the 1960s, when she traveled to Vietnam with Bob Hope‘s USO troupe to perform for American troops.

In 1966, she brought her band to Vietnam and risked her own safety to lift the spirits of the troops. Even after Vietnam, Ann-Margret kept a spot in her heart for veterans and has appeared at many fundraisers, hospitals and military events over the years.

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In 2005, she reunited with her 1966 band members Chuck Day and Mickey Jones for a special encore performance at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Veterans and active-duty troops attended the event, celebrating memories of her Vietnam tour and recognizing her ongoing loyalty to those who served.

THE ANN-MARGRET SHOW, from left: Bob Hope, Ann-Margret, (aired December 11, 1968).

Everett Collection

In a post on Vietnam Veterans of America, a woman recalls a time when Ann-Margret made her husband’s dreams come true. A Vietnam vet named Richard kept a photo he’d taken of Ann-Margret back in 1966 at a USO show. Decades later, he got her to sign the photo at a meet-and-greet event, despite it being for book signing only. She reportedly got emotional and said, “This is one of my gentlemen from Vietnam, and I most certainly will sign his photo.”

“That’s the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the army,” Richard responded.

Ann-Margret speaks onstage during the screening for “Bye Bye Birdie” during the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival on April 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California

Jerod Harris/Getty Images for TCM

Ann-Margret’s love and respect for veterans clearly shines through as she calls them her “gentlemen.” In 2019, she received the first-ever Bob Hope Legacy Award for her contributions to the USO and service members. Thank you Ann-Margret for all you do too!