As you may recall, Ed McMahon — long-time sidekick to Johnny Carson on NBC‘s The Tonight Show and all around television host and pitchman — passed away at 86 last week but he was just memorialized at a ceremony at the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences in North Hollywood, CA yesterday. His memorial ceremony was attended by family, friends and fellow military servicemen. Here are a few photos from McMahon‘s memorial service and some info from the ceremony:

Ed McMahon was remembered as a man with a passion for life, his family and the Marine Corps at a tribute Wednesday to the late sidekick of “The Tonight Show” flavored by military pomp, prayer and music. “He did have the most incredible life. He enjoyed every single second,” said his widow, Pam. “I miss him so much, every single second. I can’t say I don’t cry a lot, because I do.” The ceremony at the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences featured performances of “My Way” and other songs, along with solemn salutes from Marines in dress uniforms who presented U.S. flags to McMahon’s family. McMahon, 86, died June 23 after a long hospitalization for several health problems. He had broken his neck in a fall in March 2007, and battled a series of financial problems as his injuries prevented him from working. The tribute focused on his unflagging humor and spirit. “For my dad, life was a festival, a celebratory experience,” said son Jeff McMahon. “No occasion was ever mundane.” Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Mike Lehnert said few knew of McMahon’s military record because “he didn’t flaunt it.” Lehnert recounted McMahon’s service in World War II as a flight instructor and test pilot, his time in the Marine Reserves and his return to active duty in the Korean War. He flew 85 missions and retired as a full colonel in 1966. “You lived your life at full throttle,” Lehnert said. More lighthearted remarks came courtesy of the Hollywood crowd. Tom Arnold, who worked with McMahon on the 1977 WB sitcom “The Tom Show,” said he envisioned him greeting “Tonight” host Johnny Carson in heaven. Arnold said McMahon was that rare individual in the entertainment industry, a man that “100 percent of the people liked.” TV host Leeza Gibbons called McMahon a kind “big brother” and an inspiration. “He could host anything, he could sell anything. And he never ever lost his cool on camera,” she said. Two oversized, framed images of McMahon decorated the stage in the auditorium. One showed the familiar business-suited TV entertainer. The other, a portrait, depicted McMahon in a flight suit with two military planes aloft behind him.

With all the sad news of death going around and the unceasing news concerning Michael Jackson, it is easy to forget that TV legend Ed McMahon is no longer with us. I think it is important to remember his legacy and pay tribute to the man, at least one more time, who we lost just last week. I know that I was unaware of McMahon‘s brave military service … and I’m sure it’s news to many of y’all. Rest well, Ed … thank you for your tireless service, you will be missed.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]