John Lennon Peace Monument facts for kids
The John Lennon Peace Monument is a special statue in Liverpool, England. It is also called the European Peace Monument. This monument, named Peace & Harmony, was made to remember John Lennon. He was a famous musician from The Beatles.
The monument was first shown to the public on October 9, 2010. This day would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday. His son, Julian Lennon, and his first wife, Cynthia Lennon, were there. The statue was first in Chavasse Park. Now, it stands by the water near ACC Liverpool at Kings Dock. It is a place where people can think about John Lennon's wish for world peace.
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What is the Peace & Harmony Monument?
The Peace & Harmony sculpture is eighteen feet tall. That's about 5.5 meters! A 19-year-old American artist named Lauren Voiers created it. Lyle London built the statue in Arizona, USA. Lauren Voiers was asked by the Global Peace Initiative to make this monument. It is part of a plan to put peace sculptures on every continent.
The Meaning Behind the Art
The monument is made of hand-painted metal. It has a white glass feather at the very top. Artist Lauren Voiers said the monument is about John Lennon's message. She explained that his message was "of people for people." She also included music in the design. Music has healing powers, and Lennon showed this in his songs. He worked to bring people together through peace.
Julian Lennon explained the meaning of the white feather. He said his dad told him that if he passed away, a white feather would be a sign. It would mean that he was okay, and everyone else would be okay too.
A Place for Peace
Jerry Goldman, who runs The Beatles Story in Liverpool, talked about the monument. He said John Lennon's message of peace is always important. He hopes the monument will be a place for people from all over the world. They can visit to think about peace. They can also remember how John Lennon helped peace through his music.
He also said that Liverpool is the perfect place for this monument. He believes it will become famous worldwide. People will know there is a place in England to meet and think about peace.
Global Peace Initiative
The Peace & Harmony monument is the second peace monument from the Global Peace Initiative. The first one is in Singapore, in Asia. There are plans to give a third monument to South America. The Global Peace Initiative wants to reach all continents.
Unveiling Ceremony
At the ceremony in 2010, Joe Anderson was the leader of Liverpool City Council. He said the statue celebrates John Lennon's lasting impact. He also said it was a big deal that the Global Peace Initiative chose John Lennon. It showed how much John Lennon achieved. He touched the lives of millions of people.
Julian Lennon spoke at the unveiling. Many people were there, including European ambassadors. Pete Best, a former drummer for The Beatles, was also present. Julian Lennon said they came to honor his dad. They also came to pray for peace and thank everyone celebrating.
Cynthia Lennon also shared her thoughts. She said that the time for sadness about John was over. She felt it was time to celebrate his life. She said his life was positive and good. She wanted everyone to enjoy the happiness he brought through his music.
Remembering John Lennon
Fans of John Lennon and The Beatles often visit Liverpool. On December 8, 2010, many came for a special event. It was 30 years since John Lennon passed away. They held a candlelit vigil at the European Peace Monument. Local singers and musicians led songs for those attending.
Since it was first shown, the monument has become a popular spot. Visitors to Liverpool come to celebrate Lennon's life. They also remember his message of peace through music. Jerry Goldman helped bring the monument to Liverpool. He said it quickly became important worldwide. People from all over visit the city. They come to show respect and think about Lennon's message of peace.
