A Memorial Versus a Funeral

Like many other people around the world, I am watching the tribute to Michael Jackson on television. I heistate to call it the Michael Jackson Memorial as it is being called because by definition it is not. The primary difference between a memorial and a funeral is the presence of the casket at the service.  I was a little taken aback when the casket was escorted out. I am not trying to cast dispersion on the organizers. I simply wanted to say that it is best to label a ceremony properly so that attendees will know what to expect.

What I am watching today is a beautiful, moving tribute to a man's life, whatever label was used.