Thousands Pay Tribute to Elvis on 29th Anniversary of His Death

At least 30,000 people ventured to Memphis this week to pay tribute to the man who forever changed the face of rock and roll over a half a century ago. Fans left mementos and cards at Elvis’s tombstone on the estate of Graceland, the home in the Whitehaven section of Memphis that he bought in 1957. Graceland was a tourist attraction even before it was officially opened to the public in 1983. Now it serves as a cultural time capsule, virtually untouched since the day Elvis died, so the public can get a glimpse of how Elvis lived.

Thousands of people filled the street in front of Graceland Tuesday, wearing T-shirts and holding candles as they made their way up to Elvis’s tomb. Fan clubs all around the globe had sent memorial flower arrangements, which lined the driveway to Graceland. Jerry Schilling, one of Elvis’s friends, told reporters, "He couldn’t even imagine it, but even if he could comprehend it, if he could look back, if there was some type of reincarnation, he would have to love it, because the whole purpose in life was to be loved, be accepted."

For the first time ever during Elvis Week, the White House released a statement honoring the anniversary of the singer’s death. The statement was read as the procession slowly advanced toward his tomb. President George W. Bush said the annual week of tribute is "an opportunity for people from around the globe to come together, share memories, and celebrate one of America’s most beloved icons." Bush took Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a rabid Elvis fan, to visit Graceland in June.

One of the most faithful attendees, 56-year old retiree Bill Rowe from Dayton, Ohio, spoke with reporters about his annual pilgrimage to be a part of Elvis Week. At age 5, Rowe met Elvis Presley and got his autograph in crayon. Since the singer’s untimely death in 1977 at the age of 42, Rowe has made this trip every year, and says he still mourns the loss of his idol.

"It's been 29 years and I still don't believe it. You go up there and you see those lights in the meditation garden and that eternal flame gets bigger and brighter it just seems to come crashing in on me," Rowe said with tears in his eyes. "No matter where I'm at in line, whether I'm first or heck, I've been the very last one at times; it still comes crashing in on me." This year Rowe was the first to enter the gates, carrying roses and leading the procession up the driveway to the garden where Elvis is buried.

An honor guard made up of Elvis fan club presidents and members lit two torches at the eternal flame in Elvis’s tomb and took them down to light the candles held by the throngs of Elvis fans below. As the single-file procession approached the garden, the crowd sang along with "Can’t Help Falling in Love," played over loudspeakers. Todd Morgan, a spokesman for Elvis Presley Enterprises, which runs Graceland, said, "Some people get emotional about it, but mostly it’s a celebration of Elvis’s life."

Calvin Miller, 55, didn’t hesitate when a reporter asked if he remembered where he was the day he heard Elvis had died. "I know exactly where I was when Elvis died," he replied. "I was filling a condom machine in Akron, Ohio, in a truck stop. I’m not even sure it got locked back up after I heard." Miller’s friends, Rick and Robin Ashton of Valley Grove, WV, said that they were happy to see many more young people participating this year than in years past. "You don’t want this legend to ever disappear," said Robin, whose 6-year old granddaughter is also an Elvis fan. "They’ve got to keep it on; it’s our youth today that’s going to carry it on."