Sylvester Stallone received the keys to the city of Philadelphia on Sunday (December 3, 23) to celebrate Rocky Day.
To celebrate the 47th anniversary since the film’s release, the American actor received the honor near the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, also known as Rocky Steps, a location featured in an iconic scene from the 1976 film.
In honor of the feature film’s anniversary, the star received the keys to the city near the Rocky Balboa statue, located at the bottom of the stairs. “You get to the top, you feel inspired, you feel special, hopeful, happy and most of all, proud of yourself,” the 77-year-old actor told the audience at the event. Life is about struggles. It’s a tough fight, prepare yourself. You’re going to win some and lose a lot.”
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Sylvester Stallone continued, “But the real victory is never giving up and going the distance for yourself and your loved ones, and at the end of these steps you remember that anything is possible. Keep hitting.”
During the filming of Rocky’s training, the title character, played by Sylvester Stallone, climbs the steps of the museum and raises his arms in the air in celebration as he looks out at the Philadelphia skyline. The actor also shared a clip on Instagram on Sunday of a child reciting Rocky’s famous speech from the film. “This boy is a real Rocky!” he wrote in the caption. “We are at the museum and statue in Philadelphia where December 3rd has been declared Official Rocky Day. Thank you Philly, what an honor!”
Sylvester Stallone not only received the keys to the city, but also opened a Rocky-themed store next to the stairs and statue.