This happened in 1971, a few days after my birthday. It’s a story of misunderstanding, that was worked out by talking about it.
When I turned 18, I had to register for the draft. Vernon took me to the draft board. As I was filling out my registration I asked Vernon, how do you spell conscientious. He thought for a moment, I could see he was having trouble with it also. But, we worked it out together. After I was finished, we went home.
A few days later, I was at Graceland. One of the guys came into the den and said. Elvis would like to see you, in his room. I said, okay. I got up and walked to the stairs. I walked pass the stairs in the kitchen, and continued to the front stairs. As I was going up the stairs, I see Elvis was waiting on me at the top. He was wearing a black suit, with a cape and had his cane with him.
I smiled when I saw him, but he didn’t return the smile, like he normally did. Just as I was about to get to the top of the stairs, he puts his cane in my chest. I stopped and looked at him. He said, what’s this I hear. You put conscientious objector on your draft form. I knew then, that Vernon had told Elvis.
I said yes, I did. Elvis asked, why. I said, I don’t believe in killing Elvis, plus I don’t think we should be in Vietnam. I could see by the look on Elvis’ face, that wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear. He then said, do you think you’re too good to go fight for our country? I was about to answer him, but he continued. He said, we have boys over there fighting and dying, everyday. Do you think they want to be there? I managed to say, no but. He cut me off. He continued. He said, your Father was a war hero. How do you think this will affect him. He continued. I was drafted and served my country with pride. I could have taken the easy way out, but I didn’t. I stood there looking at him as he talked, I knew he wasn’t happy, and waited for him to let me talk. He pointed to the American flag he had on his jacket lapel, he said. Do you think I wear this for decoration? He said, hell no, I don’t. I love my country. Then he asked, what do you have to say.
I said, Elvis I love my country too. If I’m drafted, I’ll go serve my country. But, I’m not going to volunteer for this. I know what my Dad would think, and I know what you would think. I would never do anything to bring dishonor to our family. If need be, I’ll fight and die for my country.
The look on Elvis’ face changed, he smiled at me. I returned the smile. He said, that’s what I needed to hear, Billy. He continued, I see all these hippies burning their draft cards, on the news every night. I hear some are moving to Canada, to avoid the draft. I said, I promise I’ll never do any of that, Elvis. Like, I said, if they draft me, I’ll go.
He motioned me to come a little closer to him. I took two steps up, I was standing in front of him. He reached out, and gave me a hug. I hugged him, and patted his back. After the hug, he said. What were you doing before you came up here? I said, oh just messing around, nothing really. He chuckled, then said. Well, get back to whatever you were doing, you little (blank We both laughed.
That’s how we handled this situation. We talked. The subject was never discussed again.