We knew that we were witnessing first hand one of the world’s most spiritual and emotional moments in cultural history from the moment we entered the Staples Center. The reverence and silence among the nearly 18,000 people was remarkable. We were fortunate enough to receive an invitation to attend the Memorial Service held today for Michael Jackson in Los Angeles. We were even more stunned when we realized that we would have a seat in the VIP section in close proximity to Michael’s family, friends and celebrities. The ceremony began with Smokey Robinson reading statements from Michael’s muse Diana Ross — “Michael was part of the fabric of my life” — and then followed it with a letter from Nelson Mandela that closed with a message to Michael’s family — “Be strong.”

A long silence followed – a reverent moment for all those in attendance. As we looked around and realized we were surrounded by famous faces that sat quietly in reflection – Usher, Brooke Shields, Larry King, Berry Gordy, Kobe Bryant, Barbara Walters, Jennifer Hudson, Suzanne DePasse (who discovered the Jackson Five). We even saw Corey Feldman dressed like Michael – in costume from head-to-toe.

Michael’s brothers escorted his Bronze 14 Karat Gold Plated casket into the arena and what followed was nothing that words will ever be able to truly describe—performances and tributes that sent chills all over my body. Tears streamed down everyone’s face, including mine. The service started with “We’re going to see the King,” sung by a glorious choir. The Rev. Lucious W. Smith of the Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena gave the greeting, and then Mariah Carey performed the Jackson 5 ballad “I’ll Be There,” a duet with Trey Lorenz.

Queen Latifah read a poem composed by Maya Angelou. Lionel Richie sang the gospel hymn, “Jesus Is Love.” Berry Gordy remembered the days of discovery of a young Michael, “he is simply the greatest entertainer who ever lived.” Emotions peaked when the Rev. Al Sharpton delivered a fiery eulogy from the pull pit acknowledging the controversy he faced throughout the years. “Every time he got knocked down, he got back up,” Sharpton said, and the applauding crowd again jumped to its feet. Sharpton rode the moment, building to a crescendo. “There wasn’t nothing strange about your daddy,” he said later, addressing Jackson’s three children in the front row. “It was strange what your daddy had to deal with!” The crowd roared and leapt to their feet in applause.

Highlights for me were Brooke Shields eulogy followed by his brother Jermaine Jackson’s performance of Michael’s favorite song “Smile,” Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson and Usher’s performances – the most heart felt moment came from Michael’s daughter, Paris, who wanted to say something, “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine,” she said, breaking down into tears and collapsing into her aunt Janet Jackson. “And I just wanted to say I love him — so much.”

It was all very surreal. After the ceremony we humbly attended a small gathering for the family and close friends – and out of respect we will not disclose the location or the intimate moments that we witnessed during this very private event. Today was one of those days that we will never forget, a day that will live in infamy in our hearts and souls for the rest of our lives – Michael you will forever be missed................but your legacy will live on forever.