by Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne

Created on: July 08, 2009   Last Updated: July 09, 2009

This Was It - Michael Jackson's Public Memorial

Michael Jackson sang and danced two days before he died on June 25th. 2009. He was doing what he loved best; in preparation for a mammoth musical comeback tour, with a series of concerts in London, England. The name of the project was entitled 'This Is It', and Michael apprised performers and fans that it was his last set of performances." This Is It" he told them; but God had other plans for him. At a public memorial service held at the Staples Center in Los Angels on July 7th. 2009, what the almost 20,000 people who packed the venue and what viewers from all around the world saw, was a celebration of Michael Jackson's life which could appropriately be called 'This Was It'.

The memorial service has been described as "the greatest memorial service for entertainment in world history," it was stated that "this is the type of service usually attributed to statesmen," and that no politician or anyone ever had been privileged to have such a ceremony. Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records who first signed the Jackson 5 said that "the undisputed King of Pop" was not enough for Michael Jackson, instead, (and he received standing ovation for this) he was "the greatest entertainer that ever lived."

Actress Brooke Shields, after quoting a line from Michael's favorite song "Smile" ended her very emotional tribute by looking upwards and saying "We need to look up where he is undoubtedly perched on the crescent moon, and we need to smile." If indeed when our spirits leave our bodies at death, they can still be aware of what is happening, (as many people believe), Michael Jackson would have seen the outpouring of love given to him worldwide, and would have been assured that he was truly loved although sometimes misunderstood, and as someone said, he would have been "thrilled".

The speeches were emotional and they were erudite. The congregation was completely respectful; at times completely silent, and at times laughing where needed; at times wiping away tears and at times calling out their love for Michael. Martin Luther King III, son of the late Martin Luther King, in quoting his father (who had always exhorted everyone to do their best at whatever they did), said of Jackson, "I believe that Heaven did pause to say 'Here lived a great entertainer who did his job well.'" He said that Michael Jackson was "truly the best at what he was, and he constantly challenged us to be the best."

We heard so much about Michaels's

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