A salute and goodbye to Michael Jackson - King of Pop

July 8, 2:25 AMActing ExaminerDeborah Smith Ford

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Acting Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Usher (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, pool)

Michael Jackson, deceased at age 50, on Wednesday, June 25, 2009.  All salute him goodbye.

Memorial Program (AP Photo/Andrew Gombert)

Jackson's, the King of Pop,  private and public memorials were held on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Thousands of fans, from around the world, who obtained tickets through a lottery to attend the public memorial service were joined by Jackson's family and friends.

Fans (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

After the private service an approximately 2 plus hour public service was held. 

Brooke Shields (AP Photo/Gabriel Bouys)

The only glitch was a bit of audio technical difficulties in the beginning, but it was disguised well by "piped" in music and the entrance of family, friends and the surprise attendance of Michael, himself, as his golden coffin was brought to the front, floor level, of the stage surrounded by gorgeous flowers.

Michael's casket (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, pool)

Some of the friends were there in physical support, while others either spoke, sang or did both in honor of their fallen fellow friend, Michael Joseph Jackson.

The public service was an event to behold. 

Shaheen Jafargholi (AP Photo/Gabriel Bouys, pool

It was interspersed with speaking - sharing memories of Michael, singing, and in between and during all on stage was a constant video presentation of Michael himself in still photos of his life.

Jermaine Jackson (AP Photo/Gabriel Buoys, pool)

After each person shared on stage, they would leave it and proceed to Michael's family to give condolences.

In conclusion, everyone who had performed came together on stage with a final song.

Jackson family (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, pool)

Then the Jackson family went on stage.  Michael's daughter Paris spoke saying how much she loved her daddy. Two of his brothers also shared ending the service.

Paris Jackson (AP Photo/Gabriel Bouys, pool)

At that time no one knew what the burial arrangements were.

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, pool)