TOKYO — Michael Jackson greeted thousands of U.S. troops and their families at a U.S. Army base south of Tokyo Saturday, taking a break from days of parties with die-hard fans and business people.

About 3,000 troops and their family members gathered at a fitness center at Camp Zama. Jackson walked around shaking hands and exchanging words to thank them for their service.

"Those of you in here today are some of the most special people in the world," Jackson said. "It is because of you in here today, and others who so valiantly have given their lives to protect us, that we enjoy our freedom."