Michael Jackson's Funeral
Michael Jackson's Memorial and Funeral 7th July 2009
Family Service
A private ceremony and family service for Michael Jackson was held at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park’s Hall of Liberty preceding the Public Memorial. This private and personal ceremony was a chance for the family and closest friends to gather, remember, and say goodbye to their son, brother, dad and friend.
Michael Jackson’s Memorial Service
Due to such a huge reaction and outpouring of love and pain at the death of Michael, his concert promoter organized a Free Memorial Service. 17,500 tickets were given away in an online lottery that attracted over 1.2 million applicant in a 24 hour period.
1400 extra police officers were put on duty to seal off the streets around the venue at a cost of US $4 Million Dollars.
The memorial which was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles California was a huge success. The service was broadcasted around the world and was watched by more than one billion people worldwide.
The Casket
Michael's casket made of solid-bronze, plated with 14-karat gold and lined with blue velvet was positioned in front of the stage surrounded by floral arrangements, and photographs of Michael
Memorial Service Words
Below are some of the words spoken and read during the memorial.
Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson 11-year-old daughter broke down and said:
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Marlon Jackson: "We will never, never, understand what he endured. Not being able to walk across the street without a crowd gathered around, being judged, being ridiculed, how much pain can one take?"
Stevie Wonder: "This is a moment that I wish that I didn't live to see come. But as much as I can say that and mean it, I do know that God is good and I do know that as much as we may feel - and we do - that we need Michael here with us, God must have needed him far more."
Queen Latifah: "I'm here representing millions of fans around the world who grew up listening to Michael, being inspired and loving Michael from a distance ... Somehow when Michael Jackson sang and when he danced ... we felt he was right there ... He made you believe in yourself."
Brooke Shields, recalling a moment she shared with Jackson at Elizabeth Taylor's 1991 wedding: "We snuck in and took pictures of ourselves next to her dress. We always seemed to revert to being little kids."
"He was often referred to as the King but the Michael that I knew was always the little prince."
President Barack Obama, asked about the outpouring of emotion related to Jackson's death during an interview in Moscow: "There are certain people in our popular culture that just capture people's imaginations. And in death, they become even larger. Now, I have to admit that it's also fed by a 24/7 media that is insatiable."
The Rev Jesse Jackson, on how the Jackson family is coping: "They're holding up well in part because they're a strong family ... a big family, religiously devout family. Therefore, they have a sense of insulation of their faith."
Nelson Mandela, in a message read out by Smokey Robinson: "Michael was a giant and a legend in the music industry and we mourn with the millions of fans worldwide."
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