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The Candlelight Vigil
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Location: Blogs Live from Graceland |
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| Posted by: Susan Smiley-Height |
8/16/2007 7:34 AM |
As the sun rises over Graceland, we pass by Elvis' grave, which is piled about four feet high with flowers.
Thursday, Aug. 16, 7:23 a.m.
The Candlelight Vigil
We woke up at 4 a.m. to go get in line for the Candlelight Vigil. It had begun at 8:30 p.m. last night. Here it is nearly 12 hours later, and still there are people in line to pass by Elvis' gravesite and pay their respects.
As we were in line, the daylight broke; as we neared the Meditation Garden, one his favorite places, the sun rose slowly up over the back pasture of Graceland, where horses still nibble grass in peace.
Flowers and mementos are piled at least four feet high at the foot of Elvis' grave. Memorial wreaths line both sides of the walkway, and spill down into the driveway. They reveal a lot about his influence, as they are from around the world: New Zealand, Paris, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Scotland, Poland... and very likely from every state in the U.S.
The mood is somber, yet people chat lightly, making new friends along the path. The candlelight bathes faces in a soft glow, fading as the sun rises.
We'll take a nap now, then go to George Klein's annual memorial service at the University of Memphis. George attended Humes High with Elvis, then has had a long career in radio.
Tonight's the concert, then the Midnight in Vegas follow up show. Who needs sleep when you're in Memphis for Elvis Week! |
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Comments (7)
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Re: The Candlelight Vigil |
By Bizbeat on
8/16/2007 2:57 PM |
| Susan, sounds like you're having a great time in Memphis. Any chance you'll be able to get to the Stax Museum before you come home? With lots of pix, of course!<br><br>Enjoy! |
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Re: The Candlelight Vigil |
By Susan Schulze on
8/16/2007 3:14 PM |
| Hi Sweet Sue, thanks for the Elvis postcard, I knew it would come this week. Love your Blog! Is Alllan with you? Have fun tonight. Love, Susan |
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Re: The Candlelight Vigil |
By Les Height on
8/16/2007 6:07 PM |
| Hope you are having a good time and haven't melted yet. We got our Elvis postcard as well, Thanks. Have you had a chance to find some good food there yet? Maybe some good Memphis Bar-B-Q. |
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Re: The Candlelight Vigil |
By sheila on
8/16/2007 10:23 PM |
| i just came across this neat site www.ElvisCadillac.com <br><br>thought you would like it too:)<br><br>s |
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Re: The Candlelight Vigil |
By CATHY DIPERNA on
8/20/2007 12:00 PM |
| I WAS THERE AT GRACELAND AND MET SUSAN SMILEY-HEIGHT. WE HAD OUR PICTURE TAKEN AND SHE WILL BE PART OF MY ELVIS SCRAPBOOK. THE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL WAS A MEMORY NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. MAY ELVIS REST IN PEACE. |
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Re: The Candlelight Vigil |
By CATHY DIPERNA on
8/20/2007 12:01 PM |
| I WAS THERE AT GRACELAND AND MET SUSAN SMILEY-HEIGHT. WE HAD OUR PICTURE TAKEN AND SHE WILL BE PART OF MY ELVIS SCRAPBOOK. THE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL WAS A MEMORY NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. MAY ELVIS REST IN PEACE. |
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Re: The Candlelight Vigil |
By Eula on
10/6/2007 4:44 AM |
| Susan,As I sit here and read it brings tears to my eyes.I loved Elvis sence I was 11 I'm 53 now and I still cry when I think of him gone. And how unhappy he was in his last years with us.Elvis was that 11 year olds hero he saved my life. I feel that I need to tell my story. Please contact me at eulangel@comcast.com |
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