Elvis Week 2000: The Candlelight Vigil

Flames flicker gently in the moonlight, as the gates open and the Candlelight Vigil begins. It's been twenty-three years since the passing of Elvis Presley, yet thousands make their way annually to Memphis for the week-long activities.

One by one we touch our candles to the torches just inside the gate. Torches born by a touch from the eternal flame at the head of Elvis' grave. We now become one with our thoughts, as we begin our journey up the hill to his grave site.

Graceland Mansion sits quietly in the dark as echoes of Elvis sing softly in the background. To our left, trees swaying gently in the wind as their leaves fall silently to the ground. To our right, several horses stand quietly watching as the continual parade of people walk up the path.

Walkway to Meditation Gardens. Almost to the mansion's door, the path winds, leading us to Meditation Gardens. Wreaths, flowered sculptures and heartfelt notes from fans all over the world lead our way.

This beautiful IHS marble statues sits in the heart of Meditation Gardens. It's just one of the breathtaking statues throughout the gardens. Woven among the curved brick wall is stained glass windows and Greek columns. In the center sits a spectacular fountain surrounded by a pond.

It's easy to see why Elvis loved spending his quiet times in Meditation Gardens. Beside his grave are the graves of his mother, father and grandmother, along with a small bronze headstone in memory of his twin brother, Jessie Garon.

The bronze plaque reads, January 8, 1935 to August 16, 1977. Son of Vernon Elvis Presley and Gladys Love Presley. Father of Lisa Marie Presley. Among the words in the inscription are, he had a God-given talent that he shared with the world. At the head of the plaque an eternal flame burns gently. We pause briefly as our eyes fill with tears. Some place a single rose or item on his grave, while others express only a few words in silence.

The procession continues as we make our way across the gardens and past the multitude of flowers and teddy bears, before starting the long journey back down the hill in silence.

This year cyberspace joined the annual Candlelight Vigil and was broadcast live. It's now available in their archives for viewing.

Pictures in this article were taken on August 15 and 16 at the Elvis 2000 Candlelight Vigil .

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