Presley Patriotism


Most memorable is the patriotism in our Presley family, including cousin Elvis who put his career on hold to answer Uncle Sam's call to arms.

Our Revolutionary War ancestors started it all when they stood up against British Rule in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The North Carolina boys from Anson County signed petitions to overthrow the British government and then afterward protected their lands by serving in the local militias.

The many Presley men and our other ancestors who served gallantly in the war between states spoke of the love for God especially, and for the courage of conviction. Our strength derives from them as they fought against all odds, to suffer great misfortune for many years thereafter during reconstruction. Their fortitude and persistence to see their southland grow fruitful again has been to this day an unmarred inspiration. Many of our Presley ancestors were wounded, perished, or were detained in prison camps throughout the duration of the war.

Presley men continued to serve in the Spanish-American War, WWI and WWII. The heroic feats of Machinist's Mate Sam Davis Presley continued to express the amount of loyalty to God and country had by our ancestors. The courage of this man while under attack is the stuff heroes are made of. His loss was greatly felt by kin and comrade.

Many of our family men continued to serve during the Korean, Cold War, and Vietnam conflicts.

Elvis served faithfully and willingly when it came turn for him to answer the call. Though he was not in an infantry unit, his status as an entertainer noted, he did not expect, nor did he accept, differential treatment and became a true soldier.

He always held high regard for fellow servicemen and women and was desiring to do his part to aid in our nation's security.

Moments of patriotism inspired Elvis to do his share for the war effort during the Vietnam Conflict, having entertained troops on occasion. He was known to have publicly remarked (FBI files) about the behavior of Jane Fonda toward our American servicemen who were risking their lives while at war.

Elvis, an inspired philanthropist, dedicated, as it is well documented, some of his concerts and donated much of his earnings to charitable causes. He played a benefit performance in March of 1965 to raise money for the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. He was the largest contributor to that project.

But what did Elvis really think about America and patriotism? Following are some of his thoughts on these issues, as he told them to Wanda June Hill:

"...I believe in America an' what she stands for. I believe in defending our rights an' standing up for liberty and freedom for all. I know we have weak points in our government and many changes are needed..."

"...if our country should be threatened, I hope those persons (Elvis referring to draft dodgers) would be willing to defend the homeland...the land where they were allowed the right to dissent, the right to voice their dissatisfaction an' live accordingly..."

"...In time the dissenting youth will see an' understand the greatness of America. That is my prayer...I want this world to be a beautiful place...one of peace an' brotherhood an' understanding for all. I'd like to see everyone happy and enjoying the fruits of their labor, in this our land...our home of the free...America...she is beautiful...we must all protect her...protect our rights...both individual and as a unit of people...and must defend and treasure our country...America. She is ours...under God an' through liberty...only so long as we defend and love her..."

...and

Elvis presented one of his books, The History of the United States Flag, to perhaps a fan and/or a service person, and on one page wrote the following:

"...For Tommy Kilpatrick, This was given to me by a dear friend. Please take care of it for me Tommy. Live and be happy. Love this land of ours, defend her name and be proud {of} her achievements. She is ours under God and thru liberty and freedom only as long as we fight for, respect and keep her free,"
Love, Elvis Presley '77.

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