TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- There aren't many people who have passed on that still have birthday parties thrown for them.
Elvis Presley is one of those people.
At his birthplace in Tupelo, folks from around the world gathered Tuesday for the annual tradition of celebrating the King's birthday.
"It means a lot. I'm a fifth generation. My family's from here. Elvis' family is from here. Just seeing that hometown guy who made it. Everyone in the world loved him, and everyone in the world loves Tupelo. You tell someone you're from here, and they smile and say 'Elvis!' You never see anyone not smile when they say his name, so it's amazing to see," said Blair Hill with the Elvis Presley Birthplace.
The party included the traditional cake and a rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Elvis.
The importance of Elvis to Tupelo was a common theme to a lot of those in attendance.
"Elvis is huge to Tupelo. He's the number one tourist attraction in Mississippi, and he brings a lot of money twice a year that comes through town just due to Elvis. And then the Elvis Fest during the summer. So I would say Elvis is extremely important to Tupelo," said Tim Tubb of Tupelo.
"You know, the last time he was home visiting with us was Decemeber the 29th, 1970. And he and I and Priscilla spent quite some time out here talking about old times and all that kind of stuff," said Guy Harris, a lifelong friend of Elvis.
"When I went out to the Air Force in Texas and some of the guys were asking me, 'Hey did you meet Elvis?' And I said, 'Well, sure.' And they starting kidding me because they didn't believe it. So when my first Christmas came, I got a card from Elvis and Priscilla. Postage was a nickel," said Sonny McGonagill, another friend of Elvis.
The annual celebration brought generations of fans together and will help keep the King's legacy alive.
