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January 26, 2012
The
Memorial to a man called Joe was more about a man who was a teacher,
father-figure, educator and
of course a coach. The capacity crowd with more left
without tickets was something to be at or at least
watch and listen to those who's life he influenced.
The speakers were eloquent and forthcoming. Some
were light and some very serious. The most poignant speaker
was Phil Knight.
Phil Knight, Nike chairman, spoke from the past and the
present. His strongest words came when he said,
"Paterno disclosed information reported to him to his
superiors, where it was in the hands of a "world-class
university and a president with a national reputation."
"This much is clear to me," Knight continued, "If
there is a villan in this tragedy, it lies in that
investigation, not in Joe Paterno."
Jay (Joseph Vincenti Paterno Jr.) Paterno closed the memorial,
thanking everyone for coming on behalf
of his mother, Sue and the entire family. Applause and
Appreciation of his father was evident.
Paterno said he left this world with a clear conscience. Fame
and power never touched his soul, fostering
integrity was his way.
If you get a chance to view the memorial, please do...it says
much about the man called JoePA!
As one reporter AP wrote,
"The service served as both a tribute and catharsis for the emotion-wracked
school."
We thank the Paterno family for sharing their father, husband, grandparent with
us!
January 25, 2012
Aerial and ground photography via WJAC-TV Channel 6 provided a
recorded history of Coach Paterno
final goodbye as the funeral passed through Penn State
University Park Campus and on to College Avenue
in State College on January 25, 2012 before his burial.
Many of our fans were there and reported that people where quiet, orderly,
respectful and many showed the emotion of Coach Paterno's passing. The family
then went to cemetery for a private burial.
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They say that one picture is worth a thousand words.
The photos below were taken on January 24, 2012, depicting many thousands of words from
Penn State fans and friends who stood in line to pay their last respects.
The viewing of JoePA took place in the Pasquerilla Spiritual
Center. In the sanctuary JoePA's casket was on a stage with
two Honor Guards - one former player and one current team
player. People passed through the Center by entering the
Eisenhower Chapel side. The entire process was well
organized and orderly. People were solemn and came from all walks
of life and from far and wide. When this writer arrived,
the line was over one block long and took two hours to enter the sanctuary.
Across the street from Pasquerilla Spiritual Center where Joe Paterno's
casket lied in state is the Pattee-Paterno Library.
How fitting for the man and his wife, Sue, putting education as a priority.
The photo of Sue and Joe is in the entrance
to the Paterno Library. In the library, students and other library
users have the opportunity to post their memories of Joe on notes.
At Beaver Stadium, the Commonwealth and U.S. flags were flown at half-mast in
respect for Joe Paterno.
The Paterno Shrine has had constant visitors and many folks were emotionally
connected.
Photos of January 24, 2012 by John R. Vincenti
