After completing the discharge formalities from the army in Fort Dix, New Jersey, Elvis and his party head to Washington, D.C., where they take a private carriage on the “Tennessean” train bound for Memphis, departing at 8:05 am on March 6, 1960.
The journey takes two days, and Elvis does not sleep. There are several station stops on the route, and at each one, Elvis stands on the observation platform, waving to hundreds of fans and talking to any reporters who can get close enough.
The train arrives at Memphis Union Station at 7:45 am, and despite the snowstorm, hundreds of fans witness his arrival.
A photograph taken with Colonel Parker in the background was distributed worldwide. It is claimed that this is how Colonel Parker’s Dutch family first recognised him. Colonel Parker’s secret, though, would remain intact for a long time yet.
Among those waiting to greet Elvis was Gary Pepper, a 27-year-old with cerebral palsy who was president of the “Elvis Tankers Fan Club”. Elvis made sure to take the time to say hello to him.
Police Captain Fred Woodward directed Elvis to a squad car and drove him on the thirty-minute drive out to Graceland, with lights flashing and siren blaring. As the squad car approached, the electric “Music Gates” opened, and the car sped through with the gates closing quickly behind. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll had returned home.
