娱乐英语新闻:Thousands pay respect to Jackson on first anniversary of death

Cemetery officials and Glendale police have made it clear they do not want the event to turn into a public spectacle.

"People like Michael Jackson have contributed so much to this world," said Norman Morris who was displaying an exquisite collage of the late pop icon Michael Jackson's pictures from different times.

For Morris, doing so was not simply an act of art, but a contribution to this world that the King of Pop had contributed to. "Now I want to be part of this world," Morris said. "With my artwork, I hope this is my contribution." Friday's event is part of a series of anniversary activities. Some members of the Jackson family visited the cemetary, while others marked the anniversary in their hometown of Gary, Ind., where the singer's mother unveiled a monument to her son outside the house where he grew up.

In Hollywood, the wax likeness of Jackson was on display for free in the courtyard of Madame Tussauds on Hollywood Boulevard, about 100 feet from Jackson's star on the Walk of Fame.

Another event paying tribute to Jackson is scheduled Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton, near downtown Los Angeles.

"This red-carpet event will be dedicated to the humanitarian efforts of Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer of all time," according to a statement from the Jackson Family Foundation and voicePlate Productions.

"The vision is to bring together Michael Jackson family members, celebrities, fans, supporters and the community to celebrate and honor his legacy. We have all shared in Michael's message, and now we encourage all of you the world over to join us in continuing to spotlight Michael's endeavors by making a conscious effort to help save our planet."

The event will also serve as the premiere release of the book "Never Can Say Goodbye," written by Jackson's mother Katherine, according to the statement.