posted 03-15-2023 11:50 AM
My parents attended Nixon's Apollo 11 dinner in LA. I know my Mom mentioned sitting next to Cesar Romero and it looks like maybe Red Skelton. Anyone know who the "Andy" signature might be?
Michael Davis Member
Posts: 558 From: Houston, Texas Registered: Aug 2002
posted 03-15-2023 02:50 PM
Likely Andy Devine.
Nanonevol New Member
Posts: 8 From: Medway, MA Registered: Mar 2023
posted 03-15-2023 03:58 PM
Thank you! It sure does match!
I don't see a lot on the dinner online. Has anyone seen a seating chart?
stsmithva Member
Posts: 2069 From: Fairfax, VA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 03-15-2023 04:22 PM
Here's a pretty high-resolution image (source) of several hundred people at the dinner. Maybe you'll spot your parents!
Nanonevol New Member
Posts: 8 From: Medway, MA Registered: Mar 2023
posted 03-16-2023 11:00 AM
I think I do! Thank you! Their backs are to the camera but I'm quite sure that's them and the distinguished gentleman next to Mom likely Ceasar Romero.
Nanonevol New Member
Posts: 8 From: Medway, MA Registered: Mar 2023
posted 03-16-2023 11:13 AM
That's amazing!
Jonnyed Member
Posts: 595 From: Dumfries, VA, USA Registered: Aug 2014
posted 03-16-2023 05:34 PM
Looks like it was broadcast on TV given the camera on the right side of the photo? Anyone know more details on that?
Jonnyed Member
Posts: 595 From: Dumfries, VA, USA Registered: Aug 2014
posted 03-18-2023 09:54 AM
To answer my own question a bit, I found this 23 minute audio only recording on YouTube of the dinner, complete with introduction by California governor Ronald Reagan.
Spacepsycho Member
Posts: 901 From: Huntington Beach, Calif. Registered: Aug 2004
posted 03-18-2023 11:12 AM
There are three large studio cameras, so it was probably broadcast live locally and edited video taped versions sent to newsrooms around the country. Is there a guest list of the folks who attended? I have an original invitation to this dinner from a NYC VIP who was there.
ea757grrl Member
Posts: 796 From: South Carolina Registered: Jul 2006
posted 03-18-2023 11:56 AM
I'm looking at that day's LA Times and the three networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) carried the day's events live, including the state dinner (whose Norelco-equipped pool camera crew we see here). CBS also took out a full-page ad about the special events throughout the day.
Tom Member
Posts: 1690 From: New York Registered: Nov 2000
posted 03-18-2023 12:49 PM
Very nice memento! I saw the Apollo 11 crew with my Dad earlier that day during the ticker tape parade in New York City.
Nanonevol New Member
Posts: 8 From: Medway, MA Registered: Mar 2023
posted 03-21-2023 06:53 AM
Wow! Long day for the astronauts!
posted 03-15-2023 11:50 AM
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