Remembering Michael Jackson’s Funeral

In early 2009, it was announced that Michael Jackson would be making a return to the stage for the first time in years, as he had lined up a 50 night residency at London's O2 Arena. Unfortunately, the excitement surrounding these events was to be cut short, as just months later, on June 25th to be precise, news spread that he died at his LA mansion.

Internet search engine, Google, shut down as it interpreted the sheer volume of searches for “Michael Jackson” as an automated attack; and, within a few hours of the news breaking, the King of Pop was back on top of the charts thanks to radio airplay and downloads. Much speculation has arisen over the star's physical health for such a mammoth tour, and whether this was to blame for the cardiac arrest, although rumors are rife of murder, overdose and still being alive. Only time will tell. A private funeral service was held on July 7th at Forest Lawn Memorial Park's Hall of Liberty, after which there was a public memorial service at the Staples Center in LA, which was the location that he was rehearsing for his London shows at.

The public showed up in huge numbers to pay their respect, and over 30 million people also watched on TV. Mourners remembered Michael for his talents, success, generosity and attempts to 'Heal the World' through launching the 'Heal

The World Foundation' and further charity work.

In 2000, he broke the Guinness World Record for his support of 39 charities (more than any other entertainer or personality), to which he donated millions. Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Usher and Jermaine Jackson sang tributes, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson gave eulogies, while Reverend Al Sharpton received a standing ovation when he told Jackson's children, “There wasn't nothing strange about your daddy.

It was strange what your daddy had to deal with”. Michael's 11-year-old daughter, Paris, cried as she told the crowd, “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine”.

It was also a time for regret for some, as they may have, for the first time, really considered what pressure they had put the man under, and how much they had unnecessarily hassled him.

It was put nicely by Jackson's brother Marlon – “We will never, never, understand what he endured. How much pain can one take? Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone”. All in all, it was a fitting way to remember such a great man, and the services to commemorate him will be long remembered.
With origins dating back to 1853, E. F. Box are one of the oldest funeral directors within the UK.

They offer a range of funeral services across a variety of faiths, beliefs and ways of celebrating life.

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