Tribute to John Lennon

By Alec B.

John Lennon turned 70 on October 9

Mayor Bloomberg has been given the task to protect and preserve the site in New York City. In a memorial in Chavasse Park in Liverpool, an 18-foot statue has been erected in Lennon‘s honor; the statue th to December 8th, the day that he was shot in front of his apartment in New York City. Back in London, Cynthia Powell, ex-wife of Mr. Lennon, was quoted as saying, "I think the mourning is over for John. I think it‘s time to celebrate. Enjoy the joy that he had, and that we all have, from his music." Ms. Powell was in tears as she said this. She also said, "He was a great man with a troubled life. He tried to avoid his past by helping everyone else so no one had to go through what he did. I did not realize it then, but John always looked after everyone else like he was the father of every child in Vietnam and the other oppressed people of the world." He was a great artist, thinker, and singer and he wrote songs like a pro, but he was even a better man.
was named Peace & Harmony for Lennon‘s commitment to peace. Lennon‘s birthday also went viral. YouTube set up a page where users could submit birthday wishes to Lennon, Ono and other family members. A-list celebrities like Tony Hawk, Jeff Bridges, the Jonas Brothers and Aerosmith made videos for the singer. Former Beatle Pete Best also made a video along with Ringo Starr. Some big names missing included ex-band mate Paul McCartney; McCartney‘s omission surprised the world and outraged some devoted fans. Nevertheless, people in the world sang and listened in celebration of Lennon‘s birthday. Yoko Ono spearheaded the idea and actively contributed in forming celebrations for her husband, including setting up concerts with his former band The Quarrymen in New York. She paid for a restoration of all statues commemorating the ex-Beatle. Julian Lennon made a rare public appearance at the childhood home of his father in Liverpool. He later went to the statue unveiling. Ono spent the day in Iceland with her son Sean, where they put the final touches on the Imagine Peace Tower, a gift from Ono to Lennon. It is to be lit from October 9th. He is celebrated as one of the most gifted artists of all time; his wisdom and compassion encouraged the world to find better ways to bring about peace. People all over the world gathered in Strawberry Fields memorial in New York City to respect his cause: to end wars and bring about love and peace. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon made it an honorary UNESCO site, and created it as a place of peace, love and hope, three values Lennon lived by.