Jackson remembered in Indiana hometown

GARY, Ind., July 11 (UPI) -- More than 30 of Michael Jackson's family members attended an honorary event to the late pop singer in his hometown of Gary, Ind., event organizers say.

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."