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July 7th, 2009
05:40 PM ET
Was this the right kind of remembrance?The media are now in full force asking, did this memorial service say the right kind of goodbye to Jackson? The overwhelming response, we are hearing, is yes. It was entertaining in the most somber sense. It was a concert. It was a who-is-that-and-how-do-they-know Jackson event. It was a tribute album waiting to happen. It was a first for fans to hear Jackson's 11-year-old daughter Paris Katherine Jackson speak, live. She tearfully closed out the ceremony with telling millions that he was "the best father you could ever imagine." And Janet Jackson comforted her. There was a feeling that this family sticks through everything. Fans left feeling more moved than when they started watching the service. Says Mary Strickler, from Virginia: "Words are really hard to describe right now. I felt like I knew the man, the person. There’s nothing like going to a funeral with all of your best friends.” For those who grew up post-Michael Jackson's peak, this service showed how Jackson was adored. It's hard for Millennials to think of an entertainer, in their lifetime, who would yield that kind of emotion from so many different walks of life. What was your most memorable moment of the service?
July 7th, 2009
05:36 PM ET
It's so hard to say goodbyeEven though Michael Jackson's golden casket stood, spotlighted with flowers resting atop, it was still difficult for many at his memorial to grasp the reality. The King of Pop is gone. Inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the respectful quiet was often broken by shouts of support. Fans yelled things like "You're leading the choir in heaven now, Michael" and "Thank you, Michael" to express their overwhelming love for the man who gave the majority of his life to thrill and entertain them. But now he would do so no more. There was a palpable feeling of sadness. While I expected sorrow, and even a few laughs at the memorial, I didn't expect the overwhelming intimacy I felt inside the venue as fans bid farewell to one of the most famous people in the world. People consoled one another, and there was a sense of respecting the fact that they were being allowed to say a final goodbye. The Jackson family, which had shared their son, brother, father, and uncle with the world, was now inviting that world in to glimpse their mourning and share in just a small portion of their pain. It was an honor to be there, and it was obvious that many who were there understood and cherished that. –Lisa Respers France, CNN.com writer
July 7th, 2009
04:48 PM ET
Jackson reaction on the internetThe internet is reacting to Michael Jackson's memorial service: most of it is positive. The micro-blogging Web site, Twitter, is being overwhelmed with Jackson reaction. All 10 of the "trending topics" relate to Jackson whether it's "We Are the World" or Jackson's food choice, KFC. One user writes "I watched (Jackson's) memorial service. I feel as though it was a great attempt to honor, cherish, and salute one of God's greatest gifts to us." Another person said the memorial "was very touching, I cried many times watching it." But another user remarked "the memorial is over, let's go back to the more substantial and important Iran peaceful protests. On Facebook, the reaction was similar. Jackson's fan page has more than 7 million fans, which is the most fans on the social networking Web site. People from around the globe are commenting and reflecting in more languages than a New York City neighborhood. One fan said, "Michael Jackson esta vivo ..." (Michael Jackson lives). Another fan said "Gran homenaje al rey. Nunca te olvidaremos Michael" (Great memorial to the king. Never forget Michael).
July 7th, 2009
03:47 PM ET
King: Jackson brought the world togetherBernice King, daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., reflected on the uniqueness of Michael Jackson. "Throughout the ages, few are chosen amongst us to use their gifts and talents to demonstrate God's love in an effort to bring the world together in true sister and brotherhood," she said. "Michael was such the one."
July 7th, 2009
03:35 PM ET
Shields remembers Jackson and his signature gloveHolding back tears, Brooke Shields recalls when she asked Michael Jackson "what's with the glove?" The actress went on to say Jackson was a "genius" and a "lover of life." The pair dated in the early 1980s and remained friends.
July 7th, 2009
03:29 PM ET
We are the World hits chord for someFor Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers: Can you remember where you were when the song, "We are the World" first became popular? It came out in 1985 and was co-produced by Michael Jackson. The song brought out lots of emotion, and memories, both inside the Staples Center and outside with fans singing along. This might be one of those songs you won't get out of your head later. |
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