Elvis vigil 2024: Candles, hearts glow at the gates of Graceland
Hundreds of all ages gathered at Graceland Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
The crowd began to gather at Graceland in the afternoon, well before the 8:30 start time for the annual vigil. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
To the delight of passersby, a young Elvis tribute artist shows off his moves before the vigil. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
A fan, her face aglow from the light of the many candles, seems lost in the thought at the Graceland vigil. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Hundreds hold aloft their candles as Aug. 15, 2024, rolls into Aug. 16, the 47th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Anticipating long lines, many fans brought folding chairs to the gates of Graceland Thursday to await the vigil. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Is that a rueful smile? If nothing else, Elvis is a testament to joy, then and now. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
A fan brushes her hand lightly across the grave marker for Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, who died in January 2023 at age 54. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
A city marker outside Graceland tells the familiar story of the boy from Tupelo, Mississippi, who moved to Memphis, signed with Sun Records, and became a legend. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Fans bring a variety of Elvis images to the vigil, on folding chairs, beach towels, record covers, blankets and more. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
The annual Candlelight Vigil brings generations of Elvis fans together. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
This homemade shrine includes Young Elvis, Vegas Elvis, Elvis with Jesus — and a hunka hunka burnin’ candles. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Chalk on a sidewalk becomes a work of memorial art even before the Candlelight Vigil begins. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Year after year, fans pass the flame of remembrance from candle to candle, heart to heart, at the Candleight VIgil. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)
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