On December 3, 1976, Sylvester Stallone‘s ‘Rocky’ was released across the United States. Ever since, the movie has become one of modern America’s biggest cultural symbols. To commemorate its forty-eighth anniversary, Philadelphia, the city where ‘Rocky Balboa’ grew, hosted a ‘Rocky Fest.’ For the visitors, the five-day celebrations included bus travel, a movie marathon, and a mural display. It’s not clear whether Stallone visited the festival. However, he shared a few messages where he talked about his love for the city and its people.

An Instagram post from ‘Sly’ Stallone featured a beautiful photograph. It showcased the new statue at the top of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The image of ‘Rocky Balboa’ running through the streets of Philadelphia still lures boxing fans to raise a toast. With Bill Conti‘s ‘Gonna Fly Now‘ playing in the background, the sequence where ‘Balboa’ climbs the museum’s stairs and raises his hands has become the signature moment for all those seeking hope.

The photograph, taken from behind the statue, showcases the scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway. “Back in Philly at the top of the steps, I could not be more proud. Thank you…,” read the message from Sylvester Stallone. The festival began on December 3; the festival lasted till December 8.

Emphasizing the mutual bond between him, the fans, and the city of Philadelphia, which has been integral to the Rocky legacy, Sylvester Stallone said, “(the statue) represents everything that the Rocky films stand for: resilience, heart, and the unbreakable bond between Rocky and the people of Philadelphia.”

For most, what matters most is the message that the ‘Rocky’ movies conveyed. The story of an underdog, burdened by unsurmountable odds but eventually flying his way through and succeeding, remains relevant to this day. No wonder the movie and its soundtracks continue to serve as the go-to inspiration for all boxing aficionados, 48 years after the first movie was released.

Fans, even those from subsequent generations, find something personal in the story of ‘Rocky Balboa’. Many find their own journeys mirror that of the young boxer who took on the might of ‘Apollo Creed’. Let’s check what a few of the fans had to say.

Sylvester Stallone: A guiding light for all generations

“Amazing photo!” said this fan. Watching the statue back at the top of the museum stairs, they sounded quite ecstatic: “Rocky is back at the top of the steps. Very inspiring! Keep punching! 👊🏻🥊”. Even if it is for a month, ‘Rocky Balboa’ now commands a view of the whole area.

The photo left this fan speechless: “No words to describe the photo…❤️.” They added, “Philadelphia is without a doubt the city of Rocky!! One day I hope to visit!! 🙌 Keep punching, champ; you are the best 🥊. In a lot of ways that’s true. Given its rich traditions, the city has become synonymous with the boxing culture. Other than ‘The City of Brotherly Love’, no other place deserves the ‘Rocky statue.

For the next follower, the statue was a symbol of hope for all the unfortunate and downtrodden souls. “The Rocky statue is the symbol of all the people who fight in life to stay standing until the last round. Never give up, 🥊🥊🥊” they said. As the movie did, the statue will inspire the perennial outsider to keep on fighting and never give up.

For this fan, the movie was more than a personal experience. It was now a part of their soul. Addressing Stallone, they said, “Sly, Rocky isn’t just a movie for me; it’s part of my soul. It’s thanks to you that today I can look in the mirror and smile. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! ❤️🔥 They may not be the only ones to feel so. From the time the first edition appeared, ‘Rocky Balboa’ has been a character who speaks to the people and tells them not to throw in the towel just yet.

For the next one, the statue was at its rightful place: “That’s where it belongs.” The statue, one of three made by sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg, is from the Hollywood superstar’s collection.

He allowed it to be borrowed for a period of one month. The original statue, which became a famous landmark, was created for the third edition of the ‘Rocky’ franchise. Originally placed on the top of the steps at the museum in 2006, it was moved to the bottom of the stairs in 2006.

Which is your favorite ‘Rocky’ movie of all time?