Today is a special day at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Durham.

It is a day to remember the life and times of Frank Sinatra -- 'Ole Blue Eyes. One of the most famous and influential entertainers of all time died 10 years ago today at the age of 82.

To commemorate the occasion, Hendrick Durham Auto Mall is offering special discounts to people with blue eyes or others who have a good memory or story to tell about Sinatra.

There will be remembrance ceremonies nationwide, including one conducted by Sinatra's family that will involve three cities -- New York, New Jersey and Las Vegas.

To mark the anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service is releasing 120 million 42-cent first-class stamps carrying portraits of the late entertainer.

In addition to being an actor and singer, Sinatra was a well-known patriot.

"Our father loved this country," said the Sinatra family, represented by Nancy, Frank Jr. and Tina Sinatra, in a prepared statement. "This would have been one of his happiest days."

Sinatra was pronounced dead at 10:50 p.m. on May 14, 1998, in the emergency room of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering from bladder cancer as well as heart and kidney disease.

Sinatra was a master craftsman and ranked as one of the most influential singers in this country's history. In more than 200 albums, his music led the evolution of Big Band to vocal American music.

He also won an Academy Award as best-supporting actor in the 1953 film "From Here To Eternity."

He was born Dec. 12, 1915, in Hoboken, N.J. He found fame and fortune on the Las Vegas strips, which is where tonight's three-city family celebration will finish.

"We'll honor the 14th at midnight," said daughter Tina Sinatra, a film producer. "All the marquees (on the strips) are going to put up his name simultaneously. It is going to be like a big toast at midnight. I think it will be fabulous."

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