From the November 3rd edition of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser:
Were you at the Elvis Presley concert at Pearl Harbor’s Bloch Arena on March 25, 1961? If so, then the nonprofit World War II Foundation is interested in interviewing you for a new documentary film in the works, “Elvis and the Arizona,” to be narrated by country music star Brantley Gilbert.
The nonprofit based in Rhode Island produces films on individual personal stories from World War II as part of its mission to educate younger generations about the war. President and filmmaker Tim Gray said the foundation is now seeking Hawaii residents who went to that concert to interview for the film while its crew is on Oahu on Dec. 6.
“We are interested in your memories of that day and seeing Elvis in person at Bloch Arena,” said Gray in an email. “We are also looking to film any moments from the concert such as ticket stubs and personal photos.”
Presley, the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” played a huge role in helping to bring the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor to fruition, according to Gray.
At the suggestion of his manager Col. Tom Parker, Presley held the famous benefit concert at Pearl Harbor in March of 1961 that not only helped raise money for the struggling memorial project, but also helped revive the nation’s passion for honoring those killed at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
The film is the 29th one by the World War II Foundation, which has already produced several focused on Pearl Harbor, narrated by stars ranging from Gary Sinise to Tom Selleck and Matthew Broderick.
Those who would like to be interviewed for the new documentary can contact Gray at timgray@wwiifoundation.org.
(Source: Phoenix Elvis Forum / Honolulu Star-Advertiser)