Lol “shame, shame, shame” with the bell ringing. I laughed out loud.
Shock on front deck n one Beautiful Bar.,will it post?
@@@
In the early 1960s, Elvis Presley, already a global superstar, played a pivotal role in honoring the memory of those who perished at Pearl Harbor by lending his fame and generosity to the construction of the USS Arizona Memorial. After his discharge from the U.S. Army in 1960, Presley was eager to contribute to causes that mattered, and when he learned about the struggling efforts to build a memorial for the USS Arizona, he knew he could make a difference.
On March 25, 1961, Elvis took the stage at Bloch Arena in Pearl Harbor for a benefit concert that would become one of the most significant moments in the memorial’s history. More than 4,000 fans packed the arena to see the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll perform, and their enthusiasm, combined with Elvis’s personal donations, helped raise an impressive $60,000 for the memorial fund. At the time, the fund had been struggling, and Elvis’s involvement not only provided a substantial financial boost but also drew widespread public attention to the cause.
The concert was more than just a fundraising event; it was a catalyst that inspired others to contribute. With renewed interest and additional donations, the fund grew rapidly, reaching $500,000 by September of the same year. This momentum ensured that the USS Arizona Memorial could be completed, and on May 30, 1962, the new memorial was dedicated, standing as a solemn tribute to the 1,177 sailors and Marines who lost their lives aboard the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Elvis Presley’s contribution to the USS Arizona Memorial remains a testament to his generosity and sense of patriotism. His involvement went beyond just the concert; it reflected his deep respect for those who served and sacrificed for their country. The memorial itself, now one of the most visited sites in Hawaii, serves as a poignant reminder of the costs of war and the enduring gratitude owed to those who gave their lives in service to their nation. Through his music and his actions, Elvis helped ensure that the legacy of the USS Arizona and its crew would be honored for generations to come.