Memories. Ahhh Yes, Memories of My Life

Elvis & The Arizona Memorial

Elvis & The Arizona Memorial

         Tonight I thought I'd share a little history with you all. This is almost all about Elvis, and something special he did that touched my heart.

         During my school years, I will admit that though I enjoyed listening to Elvis sing, I would not have called myself a big Elvis fan. But I appreciated his talent, and often wished I could sing/croon like that. I joined the Navy in August 1972, and after almost two years of schooling, I was ready for my first sea tour. Unlike some sailors, I knew I would be a submariner. I had read extensively about the American Submarines during WWII, and could even tell you the name of a captain if you mentioned the name of their boat. (Submarines are boats, not ships). We all filled out our 'Dream Sheets' (we were allowed to selectplead for our next duty station, and type of submarine (SSBN (Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine), or SSN (Fast Attack Submarine), three choices of each). On mine, I really wanted Hawaii, San Diego, or Charleston. Submarine type was SSBN first, SSN second. I got my wish, and was sent to the USS Theodore Roosevelt SSBN 600 (G) out of Hawaii! What a dream come true! I ended up living in Hawaii for nine years. It was there that I became a fan of Elvis.

         As many of you know, the USS Arizona (BB 39), a WWI era Battleship was sunk at Pearl Harbor in a catastrophic explosion. Over 900 of the ships 1100 crewmembers were killed in that explosion. That occurred on December 7th, 1941 of course. Almost 20 years later, the Arizona still sat on the bottom of Pearl Harbor (and still does), a rusting hulk. There was no Memorial for it, one was planned, but fundraising efforts ($500,000 was needed to get it at least started and hopefully finished.) Imagine it taking 20 years to build a 9-11 Memorial in today's world.

         Elvis Presley had just finished his tour in the Army in 1960, and read about the proposed Arizona Memorial. He and his manager came up with the idea of doing a concert at Pearl Harbor that would benefit the Arizona Memorial Fundraiser. He was going to Hawaii to film a new movie; the plan was to hold the concert before the filming began. This was 1960, so the next bit of numbers may not amaze you, so bear with me. Three Thousand screaming fans met him at the airport! Jimmy Stewart happened to be on the same plane, but no one gave him any attention at all. That night, yes you see it right, THAT NIGHT, he performed in concert at Bloch Arena in Pearl Harbor. I've flown to Hawaii several times, it's a 4-5 hour flight! That's in today's planes. How long was his flight in 1960? He performed the concert that night in front of 5,000 fans. Tickets ranged in price from 1-10 dollars, with VIP tickets $!00. Yep, everyone attending was expected to purchase a ticket, even the mayor, etc.

         All total, Elvis raised about $60,000 for the Memorial fund. Six months later, the goal was reached, and construction on the Arizona Memorial commenced. Here's the part that made me a fan of this man. First, his trademark Gold Jacket he always wore in concerts, was never worn after that concert. Small detail, but notable. Second. Elvis personally paid every fee for the concert. He paid his backup band, the singers, Bloch Arena, etc. If they wanted something, food & drinks before hand, hotel fees, cars, he paid for it. Why? Because he was adamant that every penny earned from the concert go to the Memorial Fund. Another side note. Elvis purchase the first $100 ticket to the concert. Elvis and his manager also added another $10,000 to the fund which is what allowed it to reach the $60,000 mark, a little more than 10% of the total cost.

         I have heard, and could not locate a posting to verify this, that Elvis was in Hawaii sometime after the Memorial was completed, and called the Arizona Memorial desk to see about getting a tour. The office in charge was thrilled, and said he make all the arrangements, including getting the press there for interviews. Elvis declined the interview part, and asked if he could have a private tour, a bit of private time, on the Memorial. No press, no screaming fans. Of course that was granted, I'm sure the Officer In Charge was disappointed in the private request though. When he toured the Memorial, Elvis brought along a rose for each member of the crew who died that day. This man was special, no matter what any one thinks of him in his later years.