External links
- I Love Liberty poster by Roy Lichtenstein promoting the February 22, 1982 recording
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I Love Liberty was an American television special broadcast on ABC on March 21, 1982, as a patriotic variety show. The event was filmed in the Los Angeles Sports Arena on February 22, 1982, and was promoted as being a part of the commemoration of first U.S. President George Washington's 250th birthday. [1] Created by Norman Lear and his organization People for the American Way, [2] [3] [4] it was billed as a "salute to freedom".
Former U.S. Lady Lady Bird Johnson and former U.S. President Gerald Ford served as the event's co-chairs. [5] Celebrity guests included Dionne Warwick, Helen Reddy, Desi Arnaz Jr., Kristy McNichol, Patty Duke, Jane Fonda, Burt Lancaster, Walter Matthau, Mary Tyler Moore, [6] and Christopher Reeve. [7] Segments included The Muppets offering a comic reenactment of the Second Continental Congress [8] and Barbra Streisand performing "America the Beautiful" with the U.S. Air Force Band; [9] [4] however, this was taped separately in England. [4] Another notable moment from the special was a monologue Robin Williams delivered where he impersonated the U.S. flag. [4] [10] Washington Post television critic Tom Shales described I Love Liberty as "America's first left-wing patriotic rally". [4] However, influential conservative Republican Barry Goldwater was also among the guests at event, having the role of introducing a production number which was performed by 1,600 people, including baton twirlers, unicyclists and five marching bands. [4]
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