Ambassador Black Rests Eternal

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've heard the news that Shirley Temple-Black died late last night. She died of "natural causes" at the age of 85, almost 86.

Mrs. Temple-Black is best known as a child actress with curly golden locks, a remarkable singing voice, and renowned meticulous attention to detail of choreography and stage direction. But she was much, much more than a famous child actress.

Shirley was a conservative republican. She ran for US Congress in California, losing the primary to a "moderate".

She supported the military and veterans. Her husband served in the US Navy as an intelligence officer in both WWII and Korea.

Shirley was a business woman. She sat on the board of directors for several companies including Del Monte and the Walt Disney Corporation.

She was a breast cancer survivor who lobbied, advocated, and fund raised for several women's health charities.

She served as an envoy to the United Nations.

Under President Ford she served as the US Ambassador to Ghana.

President Carter, who was ideologically opposed to Shirley Temple-Black, appointed her as his protocol officer. This showed Temple's non-partisan dedication to the nation and her abilities as a diplomat.

President George H.W. Bush appointed Mrs. Black as the US Ambassador to Czechoslovakia.

Most remember her as that famous child star. Her life of service to our great nation as well as her impact in private industry are not as commonly praised. But its for those accolades and accomplishments that she should be remembered.

Rest in Peace, Ambassador. The world is a better place because of you.