Recollections - October Photo Revealed
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --
"I was looking at Photo #16 and I instantly thought, 'Philadelphia - Independence Hall.' Not sure why exactly I feel so sure, but that little bit of detail in the building reminds me of Independence Hall."
- Master Sgt. Phil Krzywicki, The USAF Band
"The photo is of Shirley Temple Black and me prior to the 1972 Mike Douglas television show. Before us are three Valley Forge Freedom Foundation Awards. The awards were presented to Mike Douglas, Shirley Temple Black and The United States Air Force Band for the most patriotic television show of 1972. At that show, Ms. Black read Carmen Dragon's stirring setting of 'I Am An American' in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pa. where the awards were presented."
- Colonel (Ret.) Arnald D. Gabriel, The USAF Band Conductor Emeritus
We received many emails identifying Colonel Gabriel and Shirley Temple Black in the photo. While their identities may have been obvious, the occasion of the photograph was more challenging to our readers. It was, as Colonel Gabriel wrote, at an award presentation by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge presented in Philadelphia, Pa. You can find out more about this organization at their website.
Ms. Temple Black appeared with The United States Air Force Band on March 12 as a narrator for the Guest Artist Series. She delivered the stirring narration of Carmen Dragon's patriotic composition, "I am an American." The piece was so well received that it was repeated on May 12 of the same year. This performance was for "The Mike Douglas Show" which was the most popular daytime program of its time. It was at this taping in Philadelphia, Pa. where the awards were presented and the photograph was taken.
An additional photo of Shirley Temple Black hangs in the Northwest corner of Historic Hangar II. It shows her signing autographs with Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall following the performance on March 12, 1972.