King of Pop's hometown to honor him

GARY, Ind. (WISH) - The city of Gary, Indiana is preparing for thousands of fans to descend on the King of Pop’s hometown for a memorial service.

Michael Jackson suddenly died June 25 from cardiac arrest at the age of 50.

The city decided to put on the event at the U.S. Steel Yard Stadium because the mayor wanted to do something to commemorate Jackson’s life and career.

Michael’s father Joe Jackson, Reverend Al Sharpton, and Reverend Jesse Jackson will be speaking at the service. There will also be several performances by Gary natives like the first black Miss Indiana Kellee Patterson.

Meaningful, since many celebrities have praised Jackson for paving the way for African Americans to step into the spotlight. The pop star got his musical start in Gary with the Jackson five.

Also, a 500 member choir will sing “We are the World,” and a church group will recreate the Thriller video. Gary mayor Rudy Clay said the celebration of Michael Jackson’s life will be a service fit for a king and fans can’t wait.

“He’ll live on forever through his music. We’ll always love Michael Jackson there will never be another. When I first saw him when he was 6 years old I knew he was a superstar,” said Evelyn Lahaie of Gary.

There has been speculation about whether Jackson’s body will be at the service and whether he’ll be buried in Gary. The mayor has publically asked the Jackson family to consider the city as a final resting place for Michael.

The service is free and begins at 7 p.m.