You remember where you were and what you were doing.  

I was sitting in the shade of some overgrown caragana bushes, trying to beat the heat on August 16th, 1977 with a good friend.  I remember that because it was on this day, 41 years ago, that his mother came outside to tell us Elvis Presley had died.  She was visibly upset.  I didn't know what to say.  I was only 12 years old.

As that hot, August day dragged on and I had time to ponder and discuss, I realized why so many were impacted by his passing.

Elvis Presley represented the rags to riches story - the American Dream.  He inspired people with his music, his faith, his generosity and kindness.  He loved and respected the people around him.  They loved him and admired what many believed was God given talent.

So, why is he still missed so much by so many some 41 years later?  Because Elvis was one of our best.  And that's why we remember where we were and what we were doing on this day in 1977...when we heard the news.