In the News-1 : 'Elvis Prisley, 30 Years After' - AFP

Long Live the King

Memphis, US, Aug.16: With flickering candles in hand, tens of thousands of Elvis fans marched solemnly through the gates of Graceland to mark the 30th anniversary of the King's death on Thursday.

They came bearing roses, teddy bears and tears as a seemingly endless line of mourners snaked its way up the rolling driveway towards his poolside gravesite.

Mournful Elvis songs echoed through the grounds as the fans made their way past the white-columned mansion whose windows were lit up so it looked as though the family was at home.

Handmade memorials from around the world lined the road and the memorial garden where the Presley family is buried.

There was a yellow horse from Belgium, a windmill from France, a Brazilian flag made of crushed paper.

"I come here every year because I love Elvis," said Yosuke Funabashi, as he paused in the garden after visiting the grave. Originally from Japan, Funabashi moved to Memphis, a few years ago, to run an Elvis souvenir shop called "Love Me Tender" on Beale Street.

"Bill Rowe lined up around midnight on Tuesday and spent a day sweating in front of Graceland's graffiti-marked fence so he could be the first person through the gates. He has been to every vigil since Elvis died and forced himself to stay awake all night.

Debbie Quinn-Booth, 38, was among thousands of British fans who flew in for the anniversary. "I love Elvis. He is my hero. He is the love of my life. I can't explain it, it is just something about him," she said.

(Courtesy: The New Indian Express, Madurai, Aug.17, 2007)