Shirley Temple, 'Legion’s little sister,’ gets her own stamp

Shirley Temple, child actress and youngest Honorary Colonel of The American Legion, is featured on a Forever stamp issued on April 18 as part of the Legends of Hollywood series. In 1935, Temple became a “little sister” to American Legion Hollywood Post 43 members when she was commissioned Honorary Colonel, a title bestowed upon top Hollywood talent who show support for military veterans.

An American Legion color guard opened the ceremony where distinguished representatives of the entertainment industry and politics joined family members as the U.S. postal service unveiled the 20th stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series. The Forever stamp features a Tim O’Brien painting based on a 1935 image from Temple’s iconic role in “Curly Top.”

The name Shirley Temple conjures memories of 54 perfect curls, a contagious smile, and the bright personality of the adorable little girl who starred in “Curly Top.” The name Shirley Temple Black represents a respected diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.

Megan J. Brennan, postmaster general of the United States Postal Service, introduced the stamp at a first day of issue dedication at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. “That’s what I see in the image, a young girl with a knowing, confident smile who represents the potential of our nation and who, in real life, lived up to our highest expectations,” Brennan said.

Brennan quoted President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s description of “Little Miss Miracle” during a time of economic hardship when he said, “As long as our country has Shirley Temple, we will be all right.”

Brennan described details of the stamp. “You will notice that there are some words on her stamp, these are the words ‘forever’ and ‘USA,’" she said. “This is the postal service’s way of honoring and remembering those who make an enduring and indelible mark on our society and who represent the very best of America.”

Whether it was in “Bright Eyes,” “Curly Top,” or “Baby Take a Bow,” America grew up with her films. Dubbed the Dimpled Darling of the Depression, she was the No. 1 box-office star in the U.S. for four straight years. It was first as an actress that Shirley Temple won all of America’s hearts, but it was as a determined diplomat that Shirley Temple Black earned admiration.

Norman L. Eisen, former United States ambassador to the Czech Republic, remarked, “Her diplomacy, like her film career, was characterized by her optimism, her drive, and her ability to connect with anyone, anywhere in the world. She used those talents to play a critical role in helping Czechoslovakia transition from communism to democracy. From being an adversary of the United States to that nation becoming one of our closest allies anywhere. That legacy is hers today.”

Isaacs described how Shirley Temple watched from a hotel room in Prague in 1968 as Soviet tanks rolled in and an unarmed woman below was shot and killed for exercising free speech. The lessons were seared into Shirley Temple that difficult day. It was a conviction she carried in her conscience for another quarter century until she returned to Prague as United States ambassador. At just 5-foot-2-inches tall, she stood tall as a giant in solidarity with the brave activists of the velvet revolution who took to the streets to finally make Czechoslovakia free.

American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood has a section of its museum dedicated to Shirley Temple honoring her dedication to servicemembers, even as a young child. A photo collection of her interaction with members of The American Legion and her induction as an Honorary Colonel can be seen at the historic World War I memorial clubhouse. Guests of the post also enjoy artifacts like the color guard helmet she was photographed in the day she became an Honorary Colonel.

Eison read a letter from President Barack Obama that complimented the formidable diplomat and beloved child-star, “She is remembered as a face of hope during the Great Depression, as an undeniable presence during the Cold War, and for a resilient personality that enabled her to carry forward an enduring grace.” President Obama said.