Astronaut Michael Collins, dead at 90, was Kalb Report guest at Club in 2019; watch the program

Astronaut Michael Collins, an American hero died Wednesday at age 90, appeared at the National Press Club on April 15, 2019, in advance of the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in which he piloted the command module while his crewmates Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the lunar surface. .

For those in the Club Ballroom during Collins's appearance at the Club, it was an unforgettable experience. For Collins it was a rare, long form interview with one of the legends of broadcasting – Marvin Kalb, during a taping of The Kalb Report.

You can view the program here.

Collins talked about the recent disrespect for the press  from some in government, including the then-president, and focused on the label "enemy of the people" that the former president had used in relation to the press.

"Enemy, my ass," Collins said. "The press is not our enemy. It is our salvation, and I thank you for it."

Said Michael Freedman, 2020 National Press Club president and executive producer of The Kalb Report series: "Michael Collins and his family could not have been more gracious or giving in their participation in our program. .... His candor, insights, humor, and reflections made for a memorable and deeply meaningful program. His family made it known to us that he accepted our invitation for three reasons: Marvin Kalb, his respect for CBS News and its space coverage [both Kalb and Freedman are CBS News alumni]), and the platform provided by The National Press Club."