MEMPHIS, Tenn.-
Elvis had a special message for President Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi–eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches instead of whale meat.
Four Elvis impersonators and someone walking around in a whale costume joined representatives of the International Fund for Animal Welfare to urge the prime minister to put an end to commercial whaling in Japan. They were part of the colorful scene outside Graceland Friday while Bush and Koizumi were inside the mansion where Elvis Presley lived for a VIP tour.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare says the government of Japan kills more than 1,000 whales a year as part of a government-run scientific program and then sells the whale meat to restaurants and fish markets.
"We live in a strange world when Elvis can get a message across, but it's a serious message," said Greg Wetstone, director of U.S. operations for the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
The suggestion of peanut butter and banana sandwiches refers to one of Presley's favorite snacks; he liked them fried.
The Elvis impersonators entertained the crowd that had gathered across the street from Graceland by singing, "Don't be Cruel to a Whale That's True." Singing along were some people who had come to the tourist site to get a glimpse of Bush.
Also in the crowd were those who gathered to protest Bush and the war in Iraq.
But most on hand were Elvis fans excited that for the first time two world leaders were paying homage to their favorite singer.
"It's the greatest honor for the King," said Patti Ross, 55, of Beaumont, Texas. Ross, an Elvis fan who came from Texas when she heard Bush was going to be at Graceland, wore a shirt with a picture of Elvis meeting President Nixon and a belt with pictures of Elvis on it.
