Shirley Temple, the little Colonel, Depicted Forever on a Stamp

The youngest Honorary Colonel of The American Legion Shirley Temple is featured on a Forever stamp that was issued on April 18 as part of the Legends of Hollywood series. In 1935 the Fox Film sensation Shirley Temple became a ‘little sister’ to members of the American Legion Post 43 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 painting based on a 1935 image from Temples iconic role in “Curly Top” painted by Tim O’Brien.

 

Legionnaires gather around tap dancer Bill Robinson and Shirley Temple. Temple and Robinson danced the famous stair dance together in the film “The Little Colonel.
Legionnaires gather around tap dancer Bill Robinson and Shirley Temple. Temple and Robinson danced the famous stair dance together in the film “The Little Colonel." Hollywood Post 43 photo
Shirley Temple is commissioned as a Colonel in the American Legion, an honor extended to her by the Hollywood Post 43. Colonel Reginald Barlow, left, and Commander Louis J. Canepe, officiated the ceremony. Hollywood Post 43 photo
Shirley Temple is commissioned as a Colonel in the American Legion, an honor extended to her by the Hollywood Post 43. Colonel Reginald Barlow, left, and Commander Louis J. Canepe, officiated the ceremony. Hollywood Post 43 photo
Shirley Temple became a ‘little sister’ to members of American Legion Hollywood Post 43 after a ceremony during which she was commissioned an honorary Colonel. Afterward, Temple was congratulated by Post Commander Louis J. Canepe. Hollywood Post 43 photo
Shirley Temple became a ‘little sister’ to members of American Legion Hollywood Post 43 after a ceremony during which she was commissioned an honorary Colonel. Afterward, Temple was congratulated by Post Commander Louis J. Canepe. Hollywood Post 43 photo
Shirley Temple received a certificate from Hollywood Post 43 member Colonel Reginald Barlow when she was commissioned an honorary Colonel of the American Legion in 1935. Photo courtesy of Hollywood Post 43 archive
Shirley Temple received a certificate from Hollywood Post 43 member Colonel Reginald Barlow when she was commissioned an honorary Colonel of the American Legion in 1935. Photo courtesy of Hollywood Post 43 archive
Post 43 members Mathew Conlan (with U.S. Flag) and Michael Hjelmstad present colors as award-winning tenor and international recording artist Dennis McNeil sings the national anthem. Photo by Clemente Bogle
Post 43 members Mathew Conlan (with U.S. Flag) and Michael Hjelmstad present colors as award-winning tenor and international recording artist Dennis McNeil sings the national anthem. Photo by Clemente Bogle
Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Megan J. Brennan along with family members and distinguished guests unveils the Shirley Temple Forever stamp. Photo by Clemente Bogle
Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Megan J. Brennan along with family members and distinguished guests unveils the Shirley Temple Forever stamp. Photo by Clemente Bogle
Commemorative envelopes with the Shirley Temple Forever stamp were displayed with “Good ship Lollypops.” Photo by Clemente Bogle
Commemorative envelopes with the Shirley Temple Forever stamp were displayed with “Good ship Lollypops.” Photo by Clemente Bogle
Post 43 Color Guard meets Susan Black, Shirley Temple’s oldest daughter. Photo by Clemente Bogle
Post 43 Color Guard meets Susan Black, Shirley Temple’s oldest daughter. Photo by Clemente Bogle
Post 43 Color Guard presents the U. S. flag to open the ceremony. Photo by Clemente Bogle
Post 43 Color Guard presents the U. S. flag to open the ceremony. Photo by Clemente Bogle
Hollywood Post 43 Color Guard, left to right, Michael Hjelmstad, Mathew Conlan, Keven Freedman. Photo by Clemente Bogle
Hollywood Post 43 Color Guard, left to right, Michael Hjelmstad, Mathew Conlan, Keven Freedman. Photo by Clemente Bogle
Movie critic and film historian Jan Wahl, Hollywood Post 43 color guard; Keven Freedman, Mathew Conlan, and Michael Hjelmstad; international recording artist Dennis McNeil. Photo by Clemente Bogle
Movie critic and film historian Jan Wahl, Hollywood Post 43 color guard; Keven Freedman, Mathew Conlan, and Michael Hjelmstad; international recording artist Dennis McNeil. Photo by Clemente Bogle