On December 8, 1980, John Lennon died as a result of an assassination attempt in New York City – a traumatic day that still moves fans to this day. It’s understandable that many people want to make a pilgrimage to his grave to commemorate the late Beatles member. But is there even a grave site and if so, where is it?
Throughout his life, Lennon seemed unconcerned with hero idolization, and sometimes even disliked it – so it is obvious that a pilgrimage site would not have been in his interest. Yoko Ono also knew this, which is why she decided against a grave for her husband. All that is known is that the musician was burned in the crematorium at Ferncliff Cemetery in Greenburgh. His ashes were then handed over to Yoko Ono, who to this day remains silent about the whereabouts of John Lennon’s human remains.
My role in society, or any artist’s or poet’s role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all.
However, there are unconfirmed rumors online that the ashes were scattered in Central Park – more specifically around Strawberry Fields. This small area of New York’s park was inaugurated in 1985, five years after the musician’s death. A round mosaic with the inscription “Imagine”, not far from the Dakota Building, in front of which John Lennon was attacked, has since become a memorial for many people. Flowers, letters and pictures are regularly placed there, especially on the anniversary of John Lennon’s birth and death.
But memorials to the former Beatle have also been established in other places around the world. There is a John Lennon wall in Prague that has been embellished with street art and song lyrics.
And even an airport commemorates John Lennon: In 2002, Liverpool Airport was renamed John Lennon Airport – true to the “Imagine” line “Above Us Only Sky”. A particularly impressive monument is a light column in the Icelandic capital Reykjavík, which was inaugurated by Ringo Starr in 2007. The so-called “Imagine Peace Tower” was donated by Yoko Ono. 15 spotlights produce light from geothermally generated electricity that shines 4,000 meters high. The base is inscribed with “Imagine Peace” in 24 languages.
