Tomb For a King Recap ~ The Family Laughs and Cries
the aftermath of Michael Jackson’s first year anniversary of passing from this world, Forest Lawn reported that well over 5000 fans gathered yesterday to pay their respects at the 300 acre, meticulously landscaped memorial park where Michael’s physical remains are laid to rest in a large, marble sarcophagus inside the massive mausoleum ~ photo on left. The Great Mausoleum is an ornate, architectural wonder, which entombs thousands. Burial drawers of remains line the walls of endlessly long corridors. The design of The Great Mausoleum was inspired by the world-famous Campo Santo in Genoa, Italy ~ small photo below. 
It is the final resting place of many luminaries, including Clark Gable, Nat King Cole, Humphrey Bogart, Carole Lombard, Jimmy Stewart, Mary Pickford, as well as two of MJ’s favorite inspirations, Walt Disney and Sammy Davis Jr.Michael’s tomb is set back from the main hallway in a gated crypt named Sanctuary of Ascension. The crypt is a spacious alcove at the end of a long corridor called Hall of Inspiration. The Sanctuary of Ascension is elegantly framed in on all sides by three, very high stained glass windows depicting the Ascension of Christ. The photos below show the windows both inside and outside of the Sanctuary of Ascension. This expansive wing of The Great Mausoleum derives it’s name from the Holly Terrace, a grassy slope right outside it’s gigantic, bolted iron doors.
For Sale: “Ascension Window Sarcophagus” promotional photo circa 1952 Forest Lawn
After Jackson family purchase, Michael was laid to rest in “Ascension Window Sarcophagus”
Hall of Inspiration corridor leading to Sanctuary of Ascension
Sanctuary of Ascension stained glass windows ~ exterior
Holly Terrace entrance into corridor leading to crypt where fans routinely leave gifts outside
The Great Mausoleum © 1939
Holly Terrace [in red] added onto main in 1952
There is also a Forest Lawn location in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles where more notables are buried or entombed. See here a list of the many famous personalities that are interred at Forest Lawn.
Among the Friday visitors were four of the Jackson siblings who spent 3 hours inside the The Great Mausoleum where approximately eighty family members and close friends participated in a private ceremony to honor their beloved Michael. Many fans were disappointed by their inability to enter the tomb site, which is locked to the general public. I was humbled and blessed by the coincidental opportunity to visit Michael’s crypt in the protected confines of The Great Mausoleum last January on a drab and drizzly, cool California winter day. It was a precious and memorable experience, and a gift that I will forever treasure. 
Over 2500 showed up in the Jackson family’s hometown of Gary, Indiana where the city dedicated an 8-foot-tall, 5,000 pound jet-black granite obelisk. Mother, Katherine, unveiled the monument outside the Jackson’s childhood home. The front depicts Michael moonwalking.
Katherine told a reporter from a Britain news source, “I am happy that people are celebrating the anniversary because I know the world is missing and remembering him…Every day is a struggle – I miss him immensely.” At the gathering, she told the crowd, “I’m sure my son would be very pleased, very honored if he were here today. This past year has been a very hard time for us. If it wasn’t for you, the fans, we couldn’t have made it through.”
Meanwhile…
Official Music video for Cry released in 2001. Video copyright: Sony music entertainment
Reports of hundreds of tribute gatherings rang in worldwide. Michael Jackson’s music and legacy affects the lives of tens of millions around the globe. His loving memory continues to live in the hearts of his devoted fans.
A sand sculpture of MJ created on the anniversary of his death on the beach in Puri, India. Credit: Associated Press
Every time i think i will be ok, i will get over the intense sadness i feel i see something that brings it all back.Its the single hardest thing i and countless millions have had to cope wth in years, trully he is unforgettable, for everything!, not only his music, his kindness and gentleness but mostly for his struggles in life, which is what i struggle with, the inhumanity with which he was treated is the hardest thing of all.When i think of these things i feel immense shame and then frogiveness comes to mind.I know MJ forgave all his adversarys because thats the kind of person he was, but for the life of me i cant forgive them.You were the best MJ, and we will never forget you, and so,you will live for all eternity, we will remember you, its the least we can do.RIP.
I agree, Stella. We identify with Michael through our pain, as well as our joy. . Reminds me of this post. Did you see it yet? http://michaeljacksonrememberedwithlove.com/2010/06/i-and-you-are-that-magical-child-that-was-he/
Michael was truly an angel sent from heaven. The magic he gave to the world will never be duplicated. I, too, have not been able to forgive the injustice done to him, for greed, slander, and to make a bunch of nitwits feel big and important. Shame on them all, maybe the day will come when I can forgive them, as it has been said, Michael did. The inhuman treatment he received should not been leveled against him. It almost ruined him, it tore his spirit, but he kept on loving anyway. I pray that one day soon, justice will be given to him and the world will shout the loudest cry that has ever been heard. Michael was a light to our generation and generations to come. He will never ever be forgotten and will live on forever as his love will live forever. God blessed him with many talents and the ability to be himself and give from his heart. He will always hold a special place in my heart now until the end of time. Rest in peace Michael, you did what you set out to do and then some. You have earned your angel wings. Until I meet you in eternity, peace be unto you now and for the end of time.
Please pray for him and his family this June 25th.Sigh, another painful year without the King Of Pop…..
The world mourns the lose of our Gentle Michael. But we also Celebrate the many gifts and LOVE he gave so freely to us!!!
I Love You Michael Ever More!! Heal the World.
I look forward to seeing our Gentle Michael in the future!!
Yes he was a hero to us but those who even hated him could bare with us yes he was a hero. i loved tom watch Micheal movies every time it got to Christmas and even tried to replecate his moves aftegr watchn it, i even tried to nmae myself MJ. What a legend we have lost but yes he is never forgoten. He was Micheal Jackson, still is Micheal Jackson and forever be Micheal Jackson. His starb forever be shine up high, my heart goes out to his family and expecially his children Prince, Paris and Blanket. I love MJ
Unico ed inimitabile..il Dio sulla terra… nessuno mai potrà sostituirlo!
Spero solo che un giorno le persone che gli hanno voluto male, soffrano molto più di quello che ha sofferto lui per colpa loro!
L unico conforto è sapere che Michael sapeva di avere milioni di persone che gli volevano bene e che lo adoravano!
R.I.P Michael Jackson – Re del Pop….UNICO E INIMITABILE VERO ARTISTA MUSICALE!
You could certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write.
The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they
believe. At all times follow your heart.