Regular readers of my blog are aware of my affinity for Elvis. This is a special weekend for the King of Rock ‘n Roll.
Exactly 46 years ago today, Elvis performed a remarkable public service to our country. Fronting an all-star band, Elvis single-handedly saved the USS Arizona Memorial project when he headlined a
benefit concert in Hawaii. He donated all of the proceeds, bought some of the most expensive tickets himself and gave them to hospital patients, and then kicked in $50-thousand to the project from his own pocket.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin reported in 2001, “It is an event largely unremembered and unmemorialized, even though a rock 'n' roll entertainer was able to accomplish something that admirals, generals and politicians could not.”
I’ve been to the USS Arizona Memorial and I’m pleased that inside the Memorial Museum, Elvis is given the credit he’s due for enabling the project to be completed.
The current mayor of Honolulu, Mufi Hannemann says, “Elvis remains an idol and a hero to so many of us. And because of his time spent here, Hawaii considers him an adopted son.”
This weekend also marks the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ purchase of Graceland. To commemorate the event, artist Thomas Kinkade was commissioned to paint a special portrait. You can see it in this
video. (An NCAA basketball report precedes the Kinkade story on the video).
Plans are in the works to make
dramatic improvements to the area around one of the nation's top tourist attractions.
THE VOTE IS NO APRIL 3
