The Gary (Ind.) Post Tribune said nearly 7,500 people were on hand Friday at Gary's U.S. Steel Yard to remember the famous music star who grew up in the Indiana city.
"Before Michael Jackson knew the Jackson 5, he knew a family. He knew Joe Jackson, knew Katherine," the Rev. Jesse Jackson said at the ceremony, referring to Jackson's father and mother.
Despite his worldwide fame, Jackson visited Gary on occasion and honored the city where he first began his musical career.
"This is where it all began," the "Thriller" star said during a 2003 visit. "In Gary, I sang in public for the first time. It was the first place I danced with joy."
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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