Graceland Military And First Responders Appreciation Weekend To Include Bret Michaels

Graceland will celebrate the 61st anniversary of Elvis' military service March 23 - 24, 2019 with its annual Military Appreciation Weekend. This two-day celebration will showcase salute and commemorate Elvis' patriotism. Along with honoring active military, retired veterans and first responders, Graceland will also recognize special guests currently serving in the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, which was previously activated as the 1st Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment where Elvis served in his military career. The weekend will be highlighted by a Graceland Live concert featuring Bret Michaels performing live at the Graceland Soundstage.

"Coming from a military family, supporting the men and woman who serve and protect our freedom holds an important place in my heart," Bret Michaels said. "I couldn't think of a better way to give back and say, 'thank you' than kicking off Graceland's Military Appreciation Weekend and celebrating the 61st anniversary of Elvis entering the Army."

Families visiting Graceland during Military Appreciation Weekend can explore the Private Presley: Elvis in the Army Exhibit in Elvis Presley's Memphis to learn more about Elvis' service to his country and oversea deployment. Guests will be treated to a "show and tell" of special artifacts including Elvis' Army fatigues, dress uniforms, his original Army footlocker and more.

Graceland will provide free entry tickets to the Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment and exhibit complex to Active Duty, Retired Armed Services, and First-Responders during Military Appreciation Weekend, along with discounted tickets for family and friends.

Complimentary tickets* will also be available to all active members of the U.S. Military, veterans, and First Responders for the March 23rd Bret Michaels' Graceland Live performance at the Graceland Soundstage. (Note: *FEES APPLICABLE ON ALL TICKETS. Tickets may be reserved online, but they can only be picked up at Graceland Box Office. Valid Identification Required at time of pickup.)

2019 Military Appreciation Weekend Highlights:

Free Entry to Museum Exhibits (with Valid Military ID)
To salute our troops and to commemorate the 61st anniversary of Elvis' military service, Graceland will provide free entry tickets to the Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment and exhibit complex to Active Duty, Retired Armed Services, and First Responders from Saturday, March 23 through Sunday, March 24. Discounted two-day weekend entry wristbands to Elvis Presley's Memphis (EPM) will also be available for purchase by family members and guests.

Daily Flag Ceremonies
Guests are invited to observe flag ceremonies led by troops from Fort Campbell's 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment at the start and end of each day, similar to the daily ceremonies held at all Army installations and is one of the oldest traditions in the U.S. Army.

Care Package Donation Stations (Starting Monday, March 18)
Graceland will be collecting care package items for deployed service members, veterans, recruit graduates and first-responders leading up to and throughout Military Appreciation Weekend at Graceland. Donations will be collected March 18-24 and shipped to our nation's heroes through Operation Gratitude. Drop-off locations, "wish list" items and full details can be found here.

Letter Writing Campaign
Write a Letter to Our Heroes: Take the opportunity to thank deployed service members, veterans, recruit graduates or first responders by writing a letter in the Hollywood Backlot Exhibit. Letters will be sent to our nation's heroes through Operation Gratitude.

Free Limited-Edition Elvis Army Posters
Posters designed by Joe Petruccio will be handed out to the first 500 people who arrive at Graceland on March 23 and March 24.

Photo Opportunity with Elvis' Presidential Medal of Freedom
Elvis Presley was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018. The posthumous award bestowed by the President is - along with the Congressional Gold Medal - the highest civilian award in the United States. It recognizes those people who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

Veteran & Active Duty Member VIP Gathering
Join representatives from Graceland's prestigious Archives Department for stories and an up-close and personal look at special artifacts from Elvis' time in The US Army.

Patriotic Mansion Lighting (Starting Monday, March 18)
Graceland mansion will light up red, white and blue all week to showcase our appreciation for Active Duty and retired U.S. Armed Forces members. Watch the mansion light up each night on the Graceland live cam beginning Monday, March 18 through Sunday March 24.

Kids Crafts and Activities
Get hands-on at a family friendly activity where kids of all ages will learn how to create a variety of fun military-themed crafts out of everyday household items.

In addition to special offers at Graceland and Elvis Presley's Memphis, the AAA four-diamond Guest House at Graceland resort hotel will offer a special military appreciation discounted rate of 50% off Best Available Rate per night to both active military, veterans and first responders. Guest House at Graceland accommodations at the special discounted rate have limited availability. Reserve Guest House accommodations in advance by calling 800-238-2000 or visiting GuestHouseGraceland.com.

Tickets for Bret Michaels - Live at the Graceland Soundstage are on-sale now.
$49.50 Advance | $60 Day of Show (General Admission - Standing) | Free Tickets* for Active Military, Veterans, and Shelby County First Responders (Limited Quantity)

Full details about Graceland's 2019 Military Appreciation Weekend are available online at Graceland.com/Military-Appreciation-Weekend.

Full details about Graceland Live, including upcoming shows, special promotions and early pre-sale ticket access, are available online at GracelandLive.com and by signing up for LiveFeed, Graceland's exclusive newsletter.