Good morning friends.
The Memorial Service for Muhammad Ali took place yesterday in his hometown of Louisville Kentucky. There were over 100 hundred thousand people in the streets on Grand Avenue to watch the funeral cars pass on there way to the Ali Arena where the service took place.
The Arena itself had thousand and thousands of people. The guest list was filled with people from all walks of life, religions, and nationalities. The Ali Arena was where the champ first started boxing at 12 years old. His last fight was fought in that same arena in 1961. And yesterday, on June 10th, 2016, the memorial service for the passing of the great one was held there too.
His wife and most of his kids spoke. Ali was the father of 9 children from 4 marriages over the course of his life. Other speakers included, former President Bill Clinton, Will Smith, Bryan Gumball, Rabbi Michael Lerner, the editor of Tikkun Magazine and so on and so on. Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis attended. The king of Jordan was there, the former Afghan President, Hamid Karzai was there and many many others.
Quick highlights from the speakers. One speaker, I forgot which one called Ali a “Citizen of the World”, he was loved in every country around the world. Muhammad was possibly the most well known person on Earth. Another speaker said, Muhammad was so much a part of everyone’s lives that everyone can now say, “Ali Is Me”, I really loved that comment.
And then Billy Crystal and Bill Clinton Brought the house down with their remarks.
Billy Crystal on Ali,
“He was Tremendous bolt of lightning created by mother nature out of thin air, a fantastic combination of power and beauty. At the moment of impact, it lights up everything so you can see everything clearly. Ali struck us in the middle of America’s darkest night and the heart of its most threatening storm, his power toppled the mightiest of foes and intense light shined on America and we were able to see clearly in justice, equality, poverty , pride, self realization, courage, laughter, love, joy and religious freedom for all. Muhammad Ali forced us to take a look at ourselves. He was a silent messenger of peace. He taught us life is best when you build bridges between people, not walls. Ali ran with the Gods, walked with the crippled and smiled at the foolishness of it all.
Some of Bill Clinton’s words;
“He perfected gifts that we all have, every singe one of us have gifts of mind and heart. Its just that Ali found away to release them large and small.
Have a great day friends. Scott Smith for Sammy & Family.
Photo is from the Web. It is Not ours. We would be happy to give credit for this photo if someone steps forth.
