Caylee Remembered At Public Memorial Service
Slain Toddler's Mom Says She Opposed Event
VIDEO: Lee Anthony | George | Cindy
IMAGES: Anthony Family At Service
READ, REACT: Post Your Comments About Caylee Below
"There are days you don't know what to say and these are one of these days," said Pastor David Uth, who offered a "prayer of peace" for Casey Anthony, who was in the Orange County Jail less than a mile away, facing a first-degree murder charge. She has pleaded not guilty and claims a baby sitter kidnapped Caylee. Images of the girl, who was 2 years old when she disappeared, flashed on a giant screen in front of the First Baptist Church of Orlando sanctuary as a pianist played, "You Are My Sunshine" and "If You're Happy and You Know It." A video montage of her jumping on a bed and dressed like an Easter bunny ended the service. Casey Anthony could have asked for permission to watch the memorial broadcast live on TV but didn't, according to jail officials. The 22-year-old said in a statement read by her attorney, Jose Baez, that she missed Caylee "every day and every minute of every day." Baez visited his client at the jail during the service but would not comment on what he discussed with her. Casey Anthony's parents, George and Cindy, who arranged the public service, urged mourners to support their daughter. "It breaks my heart today that Casey isn't here today to honor her child who she loved so much," Cindy Anthony said during the eulogy. "Casey, I hope you're listening to this. I wish I could comfort you. I wish I could take away your pain and wipe away your tears." Many mourners said they did not know Caylee or her family, including Jessica Smith, who drove 160 miles from West Palm Beach with a co-worker to attend the service. Smith said she felt compelled to be there "to say our prayers for her." "I'm a mother myself," said Smith, 25, who has a son Caylee's age. "It touches close to home." Caylee disappeared in June, but her mother didn't report her missing until a month later, telling authorities she was looking for her. Caylee's remains were found in December in woods near her home, about two months after prosecutors brought charges against her mother. Casey Anthony also said in her statement that she wished the service would have been private and not open to the public and media. "I still don't want a public event with cameras and everybody around for Caylee's service, but I can't stop my parents from doing what they want," she said. "I truly hope that it will help them." George Anthony, who was hospitalized last month over concerns he was suicidal, said his daughter deserved love and letters of support while she was in jail. "I miss my daughter, Casey," George Anthony said. "Do not form judgments because I tell you, you do not want to be in any of our shoes." Casey Anthony's brother asked people who know how Caylee died to come forward. "To those of us who have the knowledge and the means to facilitate the answers that my family deserves I ask that you fill your heart with compassion and truth," Lee Anthony said during the eulogy. Security was tight, given that the Anthony family had faced protesters at their house before the daughter was arrested. A dozen deputies were stationed at the church and mourners had to pass through a metal detector to get into the sanctuary. No protesters showed up. Some mourners said they felt a connection to Caylee since they had been following the case since she was reported missing. "I had hoped she would have been found alive," said Justine Lorence, 22, who drove up with Smith from West Palm Beach. "I feel like I have to pay my respects to her because I've been watching this from the start." Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
- February 7, 2009: Casey Anthony Attorneys Compare Her Case To 'The Fugitive'
- February 5, 2009: Caylee Anthony Memorial Set For Tuesday
- February 3, 2009: George Anthony Released From Hospital After Suicide Scare
- February 2, 2009: Anthony Family To Be Deposed In Civil Case
- January 30, 2009: Questionnaire To Casey Anthony: Do You Know Who Killed Caylee?
- January 28, 2009: Parents Seek Private Meeting With Casey Anthony
- January 27, 2009: Casey Anthony Voodoo Dolls Being Sold On eBay
- January 26, 2009: George Anthony Remains Hospitalized; New Motions Filed
- January 24, 2009: Casey Anthony's Ex-Boyfriend Posted 'Chloroform' Image
- January 22, 2009: Report: Casey Anthony Trial Could Move To Jacksonville
- January 21, 2009: Documents: Pooh Blanket, Heart Sticker Found Near Caylee's Body
- January 16, 2009: 'Life Taken From Me,' Casey Anthony Says In Jail Visit
- January 14, 2009: Cindy Anthony Defends Daughter In E-Mail
- January 13, 2009: Meter Reader Describes Finding Caylee Remains
- January 12, 2009: Anthony Family: Former P.I. Trying To Sell Video Of Caylee Site
- January 10, 2009: Man Who Found Caylee's Remains Once Arrested On Kidnapping Charge
- January 8, 2009: Casey Anthony Attends Court Hearing
- January 7, 2009: Judge To Hear Arguments Over Caylee Autopsy Photos
- January 6, 2009: Judge Delays Hearing In Civil Case Involving Casey Anthony
- December 29, 2008: Man Who Found Caylee's Remains Could Get Reward
- December 26, 2008: Caylee Anthony's Name Added To Memorial Wall
- December 24, 2008: Anonymous Donor Gives Toys In Memory Of Caylee
- December 23, 2008: Caylee Remains Released To Funeral Home
- December 22, 2008: Former Fiance Of Casey Anthony: Story Follows You Around
- December 20, 2008: Remains ID'd As Caylee; Meter Reader Comes Forward
- December 19, 2008: Remains Found Near Anthony Home Expected To Be ID'd
- December 10, 2008: Casey Anthony Attorney Seeks Mall Video In Possible Caylee Sighting
- December 8, 2008: Caylee's Grandparents Hope Subpoena Will Aid In Search
- December 5, 2008: State Will Not Seek Death Penalty In Casey Anthony Murder Case
- December 1, 2008: Family Shows New Caylee Pictures
Copyright 2009 by Internet Broadcasting Systems and Local6.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.




















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