Thousands mark Elvis anniversary with vigil at Graceland

Elvis Presley fans from around the world made their annual pilgrimage to Graceland yesterday to pay their respects to the rock and roll icon with a candlelight vigil on the 36th anniversary of his death.

Thousands of people carried candles as they walked slowly and silently through the Mediation Garden at Graceland, Presley’s long-time Memphis home. The garden is the location of his grave and the spot where his mother, father, and grandmother are buried.

Each year, fans of Presley’s music and films come to the Tennessee town for Elvis Week, the celebration of his life and career. Presley died on Aug 16, 1977. The vigil is the highlight of Elvis Week, which this year featured a listening party at Stax Records for the recent release of the three-CD box set Elvis At Stax.