I was honored when Greg Schreiner, President of Marilyn Remembered, asked me to formally dedicate the new Marilyn Monroe memorial bench after the memorial service on Wednesday, August 5. This new bench is next to Marilyn’s crypt at Westwood Memorial Park, and was funded through donations that were made by fans from all over the world. I spearheaded the effort to spread the word that money was needed to replace the old bench.
In wanting the dedication to be special, I wrote what I hope is an appropriate and thoughtful speech:
“On behalf of Marilyn Remembered, thank you for coming to the 47th annual Marilyn Monroe Memorial Service.
It’s an incredible honor for me to be able to dedicate the Marilyn Monroe memorial bench today. For those of you who don’t know, this is actually the third memorial bench to be placed at Marilyn’s crypt. The first bench was stolen many years ago. The second bench, which was dedicated by Susan Strasberg, deteriorated and eventually fell apart.
Lee Strasburg put it best when at her funeral he said, “Marilyn Monroe was a legend.” Here we are 47 years later, and the legend of Marilyn Monroe lives on. She affects all of us in one way or another and we’re here today to remember her as an amazing person.
I always experience a feeling of disbelieve when I’m here at Westwood. It’s just incredible to think we’re in the presence of THE Marilyn Monroe. She is the one original superstar. The one by which beauty will always be measured. The one undying legend. Quite simply, to me, she is THE ONE.
This memorial bench was made possible by donations from Marilyn Monroe’s fan from all over the world. The names of memorial bench sponsors can be found on the back of today’s memorial service program. We thank them for their generosity, and for helping to keep the legend of Marilyn Monroe alive.
I’m proud and honored to present to you, and to Marilyn fans all over the world, this beautiful memorial bench in remembrance of Marilyn Monroe.”
