I still remember the anticipation as I look at the now faded ticket stubs.

The date was June 18, l977. The place, Kemper Arena, Kansas City, Missouri.

The excitement had been growing since the announcement that Elvis would be appearing, and following that, the three-hour wait in line for tickets.

The long awaited event was almost here as everyone sat eagerly waiting. Only moments were left till the king of rock'n'roll would be singing his heart out to his adoring fans.

The auditorium darkened. Adding to the excitement, his band began his famous introduction - Theme from 2001:A Space Odyssey.

Through the darkness you could vaguely see a figure standing quietly at the bottom of the stage. A figure you knew was the world famous - Elvis Presley.

The excitement of the moment was electrifying.

The beat thundered through the arena as strobe lights flashed, again, and again. The crowd became suddenly quiet, as they realized his introduction was going on too long, much too long.

It had been rumored that Elvis was having health problems. It was now obvious that the rumors were true. Elvis was a very sick man. Finally, but slowly, Elvis made his way up the stairs and opened with his famous first number, "See See Rider."

It became more and more evident as he performed that this tour was his way of telling his fans good-bye.

His voice was still spectacular, as always, but you could feel that our idol was in pain. August 16, l977, came the deplorable announcement was made public. "Elvis Presley found dead, on the second floor of Graceland Mansion." August 18, 1977, Elvis was laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery next to his mother.

October 2, l977, the bodies of Elvis and Gladys were moved to the Meditation Gardens at Graceland.

June 26, 1979 Vernon Presley, Elvis's father, died and was added to the garden. Along with them also lie the bodies of Minnie Mae, Elvis's grandma, and Jesse Garon, Elvis's twin.

Now 21 years later, thousands of fans still gather at the entrance of Graceland on August 15th. At midnight the procession moves slowly up the long hill with lighted candles from the eternal flame from his grave. The mourners sing his songs as they make their way past his grave, leaving flowers and paying their respects to their beloved idol.

The King may be gone but his memory and music will live on forever in our hearts and minds.