Connie Francis said she was there to say thanks.
The former pop sensation whose 1960 Spring Break beach flick “Where the Boys Are” helped make Fort Lauderdale famous posed for photos, shook hands and signed autographs with veterans Tuesday.
After she strolled through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ William Bill Kling VA on Commercial Boulevard in Sunrise, Francis, now 80 and living in Parkland, said it was an early Valentine’s Day treat for her, too.
“I wanted to pay honor to them for their service,” she said. “I’ve always supported the troops. I must have signed a zillion pictures.”
The girl dubbed “America’s Sweetheart of Song” was a regular at places such as the Lincoln Center, and the Concord Hotel in the Jewish Catskills and the variety TV shows.
Francis was among the veterans Tuesday to promote her new memoir: “Among My Souvenirs: The Real Story Vol.1.”
Joseph Motes, 69, of Pembroke Pines, saw Francis perform in Vietnam alongside Bob Hope. He was a Marine then, and was thrilled to see her again. “It brings back memories,” he said.
Mernie Williams, the VA’s chief of voluntary service, said he invited Francis as part of a “week of love to the veterans.”
“You can tell you’re loved,” he told her. “You’re correct,” she replied.
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