Lest the general public think the institution of Kobe Bryant Day in Los Angeles was merely a symbolic gesture, City Council dutifully inaugurated the holiday Wednesday, inviting Bryant to City Hall for a ceremony in his honor.
Fans showed up in droves and packed the Hall for the honoree's arrival, some even breaking into "Kobe!" and "M-V-P!" chants.
Kobe arrives at LA City Hall for Kobe Bryant Day. pic.twitter.com/uiM8fhftA0
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 24, 2016
Laker fans react to Kobe Bryant's arrival to city council on #KobeDay pic.twitter.com/rxjfgoGJhb
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) August 24, 2016
As part of the ceremony, those in attendance relived Bryant's glorious 60-point curtain call from four months ago.
Kobe Bryant watches highlights from his final game shown at LA city council. https://t.co/dHYBsitsuQ pic.twitter.com/pYrC6yIPbN
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) August 24, 2016
While the choice of date (8/24) was a nod to the two numbers Bryant wore during his 20-year Lakers career, it also positioned the holiday just a day after his 38th birthday.
The chamber eventually swelled with strains of "Happy Birthday," as attendees and members of council serenaded Bryant.
Council chambers sings Happy Birthday to Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/idJw6QbPUN
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 24, 2016
"Kobe Bryant has taught all of us in Los Angeles that this city has a fighting spirit," said mayor Eric Garcetti, who later added, "When I'm in China and I say I'm the mayor of Los Angeles, they say, 'Oh, where Kobe's from?'"
"It's a very surreal experience to have a day named after you," said Bryant, which, yeah, no kidding.
One council member sought to summarize the lasting lesson Bryant left the city with. The answer: "Keep shooting."
Perfect.
