Elvis Presley: The Rock ‘n’ Roll King Who Helped Save the USS Arizona Memorial
In the late 1950s, the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial Commission was struggling to raise funds for a proper memorial to honor the 1,177 crewmen who perished on December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Over 900 of these brave souls remain entombed in the battleship’s wreckage, and of course potentially 85 are still separated from the ship in commingled graves 10 miles away marked “unknown”. Despite the significance of this site, efforts to raise the necessary funds were flagging. Many Americans, eager to move past the horrors of World War II, seemed to overlook the importance of memorializing this day of infamy.
The commission, formed to ensure the U.S.S. Arizona and her crew would never be forgotten, initially saw a surge of donations, thanks to an appeal made on the national television show “This Is Your Life” by Rear Admiral Samuel Fuqua, the highest-ranking officer to survive the attack. This initial momentum, however, began to wane over time.
Enter Elvis Presley, the legendary King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. In 1961, Elvis, already a global icon and fresh out of the Army, was preparing to film his movie “Blue Hawaii.” His manager, Colonel Tom Parker, read an editorial about the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial’s fundraising struggles and saw an opportunity. Parker suggested that Elvis hold a benefit concert to support the cause. Elvis, deeply moved and eager to help, agreed without hesitation.
On March 25, 1961, Pearl Harbor’s Bloch Arena was the site of a historic event. Elvis performed a sold-out benefit concert that electrified the audience and revived interest in the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial. Even the opening acts, including Minnie Pearl, purchased tickets to contribute to the cause. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as survivors and witnesses of the attack, along with their families, gathered to remember and honor those lost.
The concert was not just a spectacular musical event; it was a pivotal moment in the fundraising campaign. Elvis’s star power brought much-needed attention and raised over $60,000, a substantial sum at the time. This injection of funds and renewed interest, bolstered by President John F. Kennedy’s support, ensured the completion of the memorial. By 1962, the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial was officially dedicated.
Kevin Kline, Executive Director of the U.S.S. Arizona Operation 85, emphasized the critical role Elvis played in this endeavor: “Looking back on the history of the memorial, it becomes quite evident that Elvis played a key factor in getting the memorial funds over the finish line. While he was not the only person that should be credited, there is no doubt that Elvis’s name and recognition brought back the needed attention to the Memorial and sealed the deal. We would not have the Memorial as it stands today without Elvis Presley.”
Family members of Operation 85 remain forever grateful to Elvis Presley for his involvement. The King’s commitment to honoring the fallen ensured that their sacrifice would never be forgotten. Elvis’s efforts are captured in a film by Tim Gray and the World War II Foundation below, which documents this famous concert and the journey to fund the memorial.
Today, the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial stands as the most visited site in Hawaii, attracting visitors from around the world. The legacy of Elvis Presley extends beyond his music; it includes his pivotal role in preserving a crucial piece of American history. His contributions have helped ensure that the memory of those lost on December 7, 1941, continues to be honored by future generations.
HELP! Do you have any original photos, souvenirs or artifacts from the Bloch Arena Concert or related to Elvis and the USS Arizona Memorial?
Do you have any original items, artifacts or photos related to the historic Elvis Presley Bloch Arena concert on March 25, 1961? We’re looking to document items and artifacts to tell the family stories of Elvis Presley and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.
Please send us an email to elvis@USSArizona.navy to let us now what you have. We would love to have a photo or scan of what you have along with your family’s story or connection to the item.