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, and Mary Tyler Moore.^[6] Segments included The Muppets offering a comic reenactment of the Second Continental Congress^[7] and Barbra Streisand performing "America the Beautiful" with the U.S. Air Force Band;^[8][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][9] 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]

References

External links

• I Love Liberty poster by Roy Lichtenstein promoting the February 22, 1982 recording

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