Louisville remembers Muhammad Ali with roses at his grave 9 years after his death

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Tuesday marked nine years since the death of Louisville's greatest champion.

Many will remember the city-wide celebrations of Muhammad Ali's life back in June 2016. That includes the motorcade that carried him through the city before taking him to his final resting place at Cave Hill Cemetery, roses lining the entrance and laying on the hearse, put there by the community.

IMAGES | Louisville says goodbye to Muhammad Ali following his June 3, 2016 passing

The roses kept coming Tuesday morning as the city honored Ali's memory, with dozens placed at his gravesite.

The Muhammad Ali Center commemorated his passing by providing free roses to those paying their respects.

Lonnie Ali, Ali's widow and co-founder of the Ali Center, said there's one great way to honor her late husband.

"I encourage you to be curious," Ali said. "Reach out to people you don't know, that look different than you. Think different from you, vote different than you. Make that connection like Muhammad did."

Tuesday's ceremony also marked the end of Ali Fest, a series of events and activities that commemorate Ali's life and to celebrate the city he loved.