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!
*****
Fat Elvis was often Hungary.
Wonder if he’ll show up?
Must be a slow week for the mayor of Budapest
Well, shoot. That means he won’t be able to run for president, dual citizenship and all.
He’s still dead, right?
Will he be able to vote?
No, he is registered voter in Chicago.
Guys, don't belittle this. Consider the message the Hungarians are sending here.
Elvis is pining for the Fjords.
1956-57 was a dark time for Hungary. Elvis understood what the Communists were about and he didn’t mind doing his part as an American.
“Consider the message the Hungarians are sending here.”
I agree with you. It’s a real nice thing that Hungary is doing this.
Better Elvis than Janos Kadar.
Thank you for your wisdom. I appreciate it.
Good for Hungary...looks like they appreciate what he tried to do for their country.Not a lot of support from the USA back then
My wife is wearing a Tee I got yesterday giving blood
Image of Elvis...lettering says Rock and Roll up your sleeve
Agreed. Elvis, till the end of his life, played it straight politically. He avoided being an “advocate” for one side or another, instead opting to “keep his personal political views to himself” (Madison Square Garden Press Conference, NY, 1972)
This is one of the things about Elvis that I will always admire.
How I wish the so called “stars” of today were following his lead.
There are ways for a celebrity to support his or her own causes without becoming an advocate for the phony “Politically Correct - PC crowd”.
*****
I hate Elvis and I wish he were dead...
Be careful what you wish for, Bean... ;)
*****
Great many fans, I am sure, see Elvis often sipping coffee in one of the cafes -— just sitting there, listening to Gypsy music or Brahms’ Hungarian Dances...
This is a good thing. People with no sense of history are mocking this honor. So many Hungarians died during this revolution.
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