Posted on 03/02/2011 12:43:33 PM PST by Ravnagora
According to reports from the Associated Press, Budapest's mayor says Elvis Presley will be declared a posthumous honorary citizen of Hungary's capital, and a city landmark will be named after him. Mayor Istvan Tarlos says that Elvis will be commemorated because of his support for Hungary in the wake of the short-lived, anti-Soviet revolution of October 1956.
On the city's website, visitors can pick one of 12 locations to be renamed after Elvis, including street crossings and a site at the foot of Margaret Bridge, which spans the Danube River. Voting ends on March 15.
During Elvis' last appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in January 1957, he sang a gospel song called "Peace in Valley," which Sullivan said reflected the singer's interest in the Hungarians' plight after the uprising.
"While Elvis usually refrained from making political statements, especially at the beginning of his career, his request to Ed Sullivan was an exception" says Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. CEO Jack Soden. "Because it was so important to him, we're certain Elvis would be very grateful for this honor."
It is especially meaningful since 2011 marks the 55th anniversary of many things that took place for the first time during Elvis' career, including his first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." We thank Mayor Istvan Tarlos and the Elvis fans in Budapest, Hungary, and we look forward to seeing which city landmark is chosen to represent the King of Rock 'n' Roll!
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Hungarian heritage here and I do like Elvis. Been to Graceland although that was more my late mother’s doing than mine. She loved his singing voice.
Hungarian heritage here also...
Thousands of Hungarian men who revolted were so brave and died for their cause.
I met a refugee who came here to the USA and eventually was a pastor.
We earlier wrote about the chance for Hungarian between 12 squares, deciding which was to be named after Elvis Presley. As all votes had arrived the winner was the square located on the Buda side of the Margaret Bridge. But, due to the fact that this location has strong connections to Poland they decided to let another place receive the name instead. Therefore the square that will be renamed after Elvis Presley is located where Ferenc Körút meets Üllői út, just in front of the Museum of Applied Arts. That means that most people coming to Budapest from the airport will meet this square on the way to town!
Very cool, Xp38! Thanks for the info!
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