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Michael Jackson's nondenominational funeral
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Paris Jackson (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, Pool)
If he was present there in spirit, Michael Jackson would have enjoyed his funeral.
There were rumors that Michael Jackson had converted to Islam at the end of 2008. This was never publicly acknowledged by Michael himself. Muslims bury their dead within 24 hours of death.According to the New York Daily News (cited below), the Jackson family was discussing the possibility of a Jehovah's Witness service but some of the family members are no longer of the faith. They dabble in other Christian faiths, Islam and Kabbalah. Jermaine Jackson converted to Islam in 1989. Michael himself had an interest in Islam and also dabbled in Kabbalah, judging by a red string he wore on his wrist in 2005. As he was a student of spirituality, it was rather fitting that Michael's funeral service was nondenominational.
After the private funeral, a public memorial service was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Free tickets to the memorial was awarded to 8,750 fans from a lottery pool of 1.6 million fans. Huge pictures of Michael Jackson at various phases of his life were lit up above the crowds. The memorial began at 10am, with the arrival of the family's motorcade from Forest Lawn. Michael Jackson's caslet was displayed at the stadium, surrounding by mounds of flowers.
There were some wonderful heartfelt moments at the memorial service. A choir sang "We are Going to See the King" while Michael's flower-laden gold casket was brought to the center of the floor beneath the stage. His pall bearers were his brothers. The crowd cheered. Stars came out and gave tribute to Michael: Mariah Carey & Trey Lorenz, Bernice King and Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, and John Mayer. Stevie Wonder sang "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer." Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown spoke and left the crowd with a portrait of young Michael. His brothers and sisters wore one silver sequin glove in memory of Michael.
Kobe Bryant said: "Michael made the Guiness Book of World Records for the most charities supported by a pop star." And Magic Johnson stated that: "This is a celebration of Michael Jackson's life." Brooke Shields, a childhood friend and occasional date of Michael's said: "He was caring, fun, honest, pure, non-jaded and a lover of life." Jermaine Jackson performed Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" with tears in his eyes as it was Michael's favorite song.
The most touching and heartwrenching moments were at the end of the service. Marlon Jackson spoke of how much he hurts over his brother's death. And Michael's daughter Paris told the world through her tears that her father was the best father in the world and she misses him very much. So will all of his fans, friends and family.
For more information:
http://www.funeralwise.com/customs/jehovah_witness
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/michael_jackson/2009/07/06/2009-07-06_jacksons_tense_negotiations_over_religion_at_michaels_memorial_service_end_in_st.html
Photo Credit: Supported by her family, Paris Jackson speaks during the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Tuesday, July 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, Pool)
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