34 Comments
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Wally Firkins's avatar

Thank you Tara. Not many would risk their celebrity and even their life by doing what Martha Raye did. She didn't spend so much time in war zones for fame. She was truly patriotic and she wanted to support those brave fighting men who were ordered to be there by their government. Popular war or not,she supported the men not the war itself.

As a veteran of the Vietnam period, I can attest to the fact that most americans were neutral in their outward expression and a few were aggressive toward the military, not caring that the individuals in uniform were under orders to do what they were ordered to do. Any military person will tell you that there are no personal choices regarding what you do. You have to follow orders whether you want to or not.

Martha Raye understood that and her time spent with the military in war zones was to support the men.

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Mark E Johnson's avatar

Such a great testimony of the woman who calmed our troops during one of the most hated wars in our history.

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Richard Ritenbaugh's avatar

She was quite a woman! She missed her calling by going into entertainment rather than joining the armed forces, and had to do it by the back door later! 😜😂

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Patty's avatar

While Bob Hope is one of the most famous of the celebrities who visited our military people during war we know many others did also and some served. Martha Raye was perhaps not as well known among so many other celebrities that supported our troops, but she did much more than is generally known. What a wonderful honor for her to be buried at Fort Bragg Military Cemetery. She was obviously loved and admired for her “service”. Thanks for filling in more details, Tara.

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Charlie Kendall's avatar

it “isn’t [the troops’] fault that they’re there. They should be helped.” She hated that more people wouldn’t stand up for them. Thank you Martha Rae for using your gifts and selfless contributions to lift the troops.

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Jody's avatar

Good Weirdly Wistful Wednesday morning Tara Ross!💯🇱🇷🏴‍☠️❤️

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Johnny Baker Jr. MLA's avatar

I was doing just fine, till the word "maternal" appeared; she was right to honor the troops, despite the mess JFK and LBJ got them in.

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joeasaunders's avatar

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

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Bruce Barlond's avatar

Thank you, Tara, for this story of another Lady who put the Troops before herself!

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Jim's avatar

Martha's love of country and troops alone made her a heroine. Thanks Tara for another wonderful TDIH. 😊💗

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Sika57's avatar

Another amazing history lesson and uplifting story. A far cry from Hanoi Jane and her traitorous behavior. Maggie was a real true Patriot!!! She was right in not blaming those who served our country in an unpopular war. What a light in a dark time for many soldiers! Thanks Tara!!!

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Scott Rae's avatar

Thank you, once again, Tara. I was too young to remember that Margaret Raye was even IN Vietnam. All I remember is she was Witcheepoo on the Bugaloos, my favorite show at the time. I was in the 2nd grade at the time. My dad was over there and I just remember missing him terribly. I also remember crying myself to sleep many nights.

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Patty's avatar

It was very hard on families missing and waiting for their loved ones to return home safely. A child would hardly understand. 💔

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Tara Ross's avatar

I hope he came home safely?

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Tv's avatar

🇺🇲 I never "got" Martha Raye or why she was so popular. I get it now. Thanks, TR 🇺🇲

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Tara Ross's avatar

I learned a lot about her service that I didn't know, also. What a patriot!

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Lani's avatar

What a LADY! We always hear about Bob Hope, Ann Margret and a few others who definitely lifted spirits, but Martha Rae was a step above! My husband "saw" a Bob Hope show. He was so far back that he decided to leave. I'm sure if he had been to one of her shows in the small areas, he would have been uplifted, too. Thank you for believing in our troops. As was pointed out, they were not there by choice (or maybe a last choice). People like her helped them to endure.

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Renée Martin's avatar

I think she was portrayed on an episode of MASH.

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Renée Martin's avatar

She may have played herself.

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Tara Ross's avatar

Oh, I wonder! I'll have to look into that.

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Irene Saltsgaver's avatar

Good lady !! Thank you

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