Liverpool, England (September 24, 2010) – A global peace monument is to be gifted to the people of Europe on the occasion of John Lennon’s 70th birthday. It will be unveiled as part of a gala ceremony in Lennon’s birthplace of Liverpool by his eldest son Julian and first wife Cynthia.
Taking place on Lennon’s birth date of October 9th, the unveiling of the 18ft monument entitled ‘Imagine Peace & Harmony’ in Liverpool city centre will be attended by two thousand dignitaries and fans from all over the world and will form the most significant global birthday celebration dedicated to John’s life and work.
Commissioned by the Global Peace Initiative, an American arts organization dedicated to creating peace monuments around the world to promote global peace, the European Peace Monument has been created by American art prodigy Lauren Voiers in Phoenix, Arizona. When unveiled in Liverpool’s Chavasse Park - a five acre green space in the heart of the city overlooking the River Mersey - it will give hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city the opportunity to celebrate the life and spirit of Lennon and his message of peace.
According to Julian, “I like the idea that a young, creative artist is inspired to leave a permanent reminder of a message of peace. I think Dad would have liked this too, so it is in his honor and memory that I agreed to take part in this event on his birthday.”
Lauren Voiers has been asked by Julian to incorporate, within the monument’s design, a white feather – which to Julian is a symbol of both his father's spirit and of peace. As Julian Lennon explains: “One of the things my father said to me was that should he pass away, if there was some way of letting me know he was going to be ok, it was by, in some shape or form, presenting me with a white feather.”
The unveiling of the monument by the Lennon family is a remarkable moment in Liverpool’s cultural history and one that will be remembered for many years to come. And the fact that this event is to be attended by dignitaries from all over the European Union shows the significance of the monument holds to the wider global community.
Jerry Goldman, MD The Beatles Story, Liverpool comments:
“Lennon’s message of peace is timeless and is one that is now more relevant than ever. We hope that this imposing monument dedicated to John will become a place that people from all over the world will visit to contemplate peace and John Lennon’s contribution to it through his music.
“Liverpool is the only ideal destination for such a remarkable monument and we feel sure that it will take on a global significance as word travels round the world that there is a place to go to in England where people can meet under the timeless banner of peace.”
The unveiling of the John Lennon Peace Monument will take place on the morning of Saturday 9th October 2010. Joining Julian and Cynthia Lennon will be Ambassadors and other representatives from the EU, Members of Parliament, leaders of the city of Liverpool, the Global Peace Initiative, The Beatles Story, Liverpool ONE and of course the artist Lauren Voiers.
The John Lennon Peace Monument is the second peace monument to be gifted by the Global Peace Initiative. The first was gifted to the people of Asia in 2005, was accepted by the President of Singapore and has a permanent home in his country. There are plans for a third monument to be gifted to the people of South America as part of a pledge by the Global Peace Initiative to reach out to all continents with their message.
A ticketed event for just 2000 people there will be very limited interview, photographic and filming opportunities available for key media on the day.
Please note that Julian and Cynthia Lennon are not available for interview on this occasion.
For more information, to request media attendance and to place initial media requests please contact richard@