Michael Jackson Memorial - Part 3: My personal photos

July 8, 7:39 PMLA Celebrity Headlines ExaminerTiffany Warner

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Jackson Memorial Program - Page 10

 As promised, I've uploaded a few of my personal photos from the Michael Jackson memorial service held at Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7.

I'm asking you to please forgive me in advance - I'm not a professional photographer by any means.

 Here's a picture across the street from Staples Center. As I mentioned in the article Michael Jackson Memorial - Part 1: Mourning Crowd 'under control', the Los Angeles Police Department received it's wish for the memorial service at Staples Center - many mourning fans stayed home.

Several streets were blocked off surrounding Staples and the fans who did come out to show their support, were orderly and respectful of the day's event. 

Inside Staples Center - (I sat in aisle M1 row 11 seat 3) - At this time Brooke Shields was on stage talking about her special friendship with Michael Jackson. She recalls seeing Michael wear his famous glittery white glove for the first time and said, "What's up with the glove?" The crowd roared with laughter. She also spoke of his favorite song by Charlie Chaplin "Smile". Michael's brother Jermaine then took the stage and performed the song.

Big Screen behind the stage - Larger than life images of Michael Jackson were projected on a screen behind the stage during the speeches and performances.

Smokey Robinson - Recalled the first time he heard Michael Jackson sing his Motown hit "Who's Lovin' You". Smokey said he thought he had sang the song until he heard Michael's rendition. Smokey immediately wanted to check young Michael's birth certificate! No one that young should have that much soul.

Shot of Smokey looking out into the crowd. 20,000 ticket holders held on to Robinson's every word.

Kenny Ortega - Ortega was Michael's 'This is It" tour choreographer and longtime friend. He also worked with Michael for over 20 years and assisted Michael on numerous tour productions.

Ortega explained the importance of having the memorial at Staples Center. Michael had just rehearsed in the arena 2 days before his untimely death. Ortega only thought it fitting to bring us all into Michael's 'home'.

We Are The World - Singer Judith Hill was joined by Michael's touring company, family and friends to sing 'We Are The World" and "Heal the World". Everyone in the crowd stood to their feet to join in.

This image is a better photo of the stage and the casket adorned with red roses.

Jackson Family - Marlon Jackson sent a very personal and touching message to the crowd and to his brother Michael. He asked him to hug his twin brother Brandon for him in heaven.

Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11, then took the microphone and stole the hearts of millions when she said, "Ever since I was born, my Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine and I just want to say I love him so much."

Vendors- While the streets were pretty quiet around Staples Center, there were a few vendors selling posters, t-shirts and buttons of the King of Pop.

Michael Joseph Jackson

1958 - 2009