Michael Jackson Memorial

Not even two weeks after Michael Jackson passed away, the memorial service of the century took place. Had he been there, Michael would have been smiling and would have probably marveled at the unbelievable love that surrounded the world that day. While he knew that people cared for him, he probably couldn't have imagined the impact that his death made, and the many people who didn't only think of him as their entertainment choice, but also as their friend.

On July 7, 2009, Michael Jackson's body arrived in a solid-bronze casket, plated with 14-karat gold and lined with blue velvet, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. There, over 17,500 people were in attendance to say goodbye to their friend. More famous friends included Stevie Wonder, Usher, Sean Combs, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Brooke Shields, Kobe Bryant, Mariah Carey, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Magic Johnson, Martin Luther King III, Bernic A. King and John Mayer.

The memorial began with Smokey Robinson reading a condolence message from Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela, who were unable to attend. Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenze then sang "I'll be There," a single that had gone number one for both The Jackson 5, and Carey and Lorenz. Queen Latifah then read a fitting poem by Maya Angelou. And Lionel Richie, who co-wrote "We are the World" with Michael, performed "Jesus Is Love" by The Commodores.

Michael was then remembered in life during his high points in a video, highlighting the both his life and career. Friends spoke of his humanitarian work and of their close personal relationship with the man that changed their life. Michael's older brother, Jermaine Jackson, sang "Smile," choking back tears as he sang.

Performance upon performance followed as some of the world's brightest stars showed their respect for Michael and his work in the only way they knew how- by honoring the way that he lived his life and one art that he truly enjoyed.

For the finale, the chorus singers from Michael's upcoming This Is It tour performed "We Are the World," the song that touched the hearts of many when it was performed the first time by Michael and his famous friends. Michael's family, as well as all the performers and speakers who were at the memorial, went up on stage to help finish the song, truly representing the meaning of the words that had meant so much to Michael and those who heard them. Judith Hill then performed "Heal the World" with the whole group still on stage helping her with the chorus. It was truly a group effort and something that Michael would have been more proud of than any of his own work in life.

But the most memorable part of Michael's memorial came at the end. After his brother's Jermaine and Marlon eulogized their brother, his sister Janet lowered the Microphone to one of the youngest family members in attendance, Michael's daughter, Paris.

In words that can only be spoken by a child, she said, fighting back tears,
"Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine... and I just want to say that I love him so much. "

There is nothing more honest than the love of a child, and beyond any Platinum record, that will be remembered as Michael's greatest achievement in life.