5 Ways to Honor John Lennon
John Lennon continues to be one of the most influential pop culture figures in history. With every new generation, more individuals discover his work, both artistically and as an activist….
John Lennon continues to be one of the most influential pop culture figures in history. With every new generation, more individuals discover his work, both artistically and as an activist.
Lennon and his activist work really started to take off upon his marriage to Yoko Ono. The two famously spent their honeymoon in March 1969 at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel, where they held their "Bed-In for Peace." Another "Bed-In" took place two months later at the Queen Elizabeth Fairmont in Montreal. This became the site of the recording of "Give Peace A Chance."
Peace and anti-war causes remained at the forefront of the movements Lennon supported. This was often reflected in Lennon's music, from "Gimme Some Truth" to "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." Additionally, Lennon started to befriend a number of counterculture leaders. Notably, Lennon and Ono performed at the "John Sinclair Freedom Rally" in Ann Arbor, Mich. in December 1971. These actions and more led to Lennon becoming a target of the U.S. government and the FBI, which was explored in the 2006 documentary The U.S. vs John Lennon.
There are many lessons to be learned from Lennon's life and career. Perhaps, the greatest lesson is to always strive for peace, even when the odds are against you. Few causes are as noble and honorable as peace. After all, war is over, if you want it.
In his honor, consider doing one of these five things in memory of John Lennon.
Research famous activists throughout history
Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesBeatle John Lennon (1940 � 1980) and his wife of a week Yoko Ono in their bed in the Presidential Suite of the Hilton Hotel, Amsterdam, 25th March 1969. The couple are staging a 'bed-in for peace' and intend to stay in bed for seven days 'as a protest against war and violence in the world'. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Support a human rights organization
Spencer Platt/Getty Images403576 02: Hundreds of high school students shout slogans April 8, 2002 as part of Amnesty International's National Week of Student Action in New York City. The students, who were from various schools on the east coast and were given class credit for the activity, spent the day holding human rights and democracy rallies in front of the Chinese and Russian consulates to protest their positions on the death penalty and Tibet. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Bake a loaf of bread
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesSAN FRANCISCO - APRIL 21: Freshly baked loaves of sourdough bread are displayed at Boudin Bakery April 21, 2008 in San Francisco, California. Boudin, the oldest continuously operating business in San Francisco and the original Sourdough French bread maker is being forced to raise prices on its popular sourdough bread as the cost of flour has nearly tripled in the past year due to high wheat prices caused by strong worldwide demand and increased price speculation. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Support a peace organization
Three Lions/Getty Imagescirca 1971: A large Christmas peace message reading 'War Is Over !' from John Lennon and Yoko Ono on a billboard in New York City. The message, protesting against US involvement in the Vietnam War, is simultaneously displayed at Montreal, Toronto, Los Angeles and at six European cities. (Photo by Three Lions/Getty Images)
Spend some time drawing or painting
Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 21: A Beatles White Album, signed and drawn on by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1969, is held on display at Christie's Auction House, November 21, 2005 in New York City. The signed album is expected to bring approximately $8,000 to $12,000 at today's auction. (Photo by Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)
