This year’s International Day of Peace has been marked by the release of new stamps featuring music icon and peace campaigner, John Lennon, by the UN Postal Administration (UNPA), as the UN General Assembly High Level Week gets underway.
It’s a reminder that as K-pop sensation BTS take UNGA76 by storm with their message of hope and youthful idealism for a better world, it’s a cause that many of their musical forebears have championed in the past.
Observed globally each year on 21 September, the Day is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among, all nations and peoples.
‘Imagine’ at 50
The souvenir issue includes the lyrics of John Lennon’s classic anthem to world peace, “Imagine”, together with his signature, and three different photo portraits of the former Beatle from the later stages of his life.
This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of the recording of “Imagine”, which is considered the most successful single of Lennon’s solo career.
The song has been performed at some of the world’s biggest events, including concerts for peace, hunger, New Year celebrations, and the Olympic Games – always a hopeful message during troubling times.
Its lyrics encourage us to put aside all differences and unify to imagine a world of peace, without greed, hunger, or barriers separating people and nations, UNPA noted.
‘Live as one’
The International Day of Peace was created in 1981 to underscore that all people have the right to live in peace.
People are being encouraged to best honour the occasion, said UNPA, by “standing up against acts of hate, and by spreading compassion, kindness, and hope so the world can “live as one”, just as Lennon’s iconic song imagined.
The stamps and souvenir sheets feature photographs by Bob Gruen, Iain Macmillan and David Nutter and the stamps were illustrated by Martin Mörck based on the photographs.
The stamp issue was designed by the UN’s Rorie Katz. A surcharge has been added to the stamps to help fund UN peacekeeping operations worldwide.
Elliot is an award-winning journalist passionate about international affairs and humanitarian causes. Elliot has covered stories from conflict zones and areas devastated by disasters, highlighting critical global issues.
As a music lover, I believe John Lennon’s message of peace through his iconic song “Imagine” is more relevant now than ever. The release of these stamps by the UNPA serves as a beautiful tribute to his legacy and a timely reminder of the power of music to inspire unity and hope.
It’s great to see John Lennon being honored in this way. His music and message have always been a powerful force for peace. I believe his legacy continues to inspire us to strive for a more harmonious world.
It’s a great initiative to honor John Lennon with these new stamps. His message of peace and hope continues to inspire generations!
Could the release of the John Lennon stamps potentially inspire a new generation to actively engage in promoting peace and unity?
Absolutely, EmilySmith! The power of influential figures like John Lennon transcends generations, and the symbolic act of commemorating his legacy through stamps can indeed spark a renewed commitment towards promoting peace and unity among the youth. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of coming together to strive for a harmonious world.
It’s heartwarming to see John Lennon being honored with these stamps on the International Day of Peace. The message of unity and hope in his music is as relevant today as it was decades ago.
It’s heartwarming to see John Lennon’s legacy of peace and unity being celebrated on these new stamps. Such initiatives remind us of the importance of spreading messages of hope and love, especially in today’s turbulent world.
It’s heartwarming to see John Lennon’s legacy of promoting peace being celebrated through these new stamps. His timeless message of unity and hope, as reflected in “Imagine”, continues to resonate with people around the world. The power of music to inspire positive change is truly remarkable.
As K-pop sensation BTS takes UNGA76 by storm with their message of hope and youthful idealism for a better world, it remains a cause that many of their musical forebears have championed in the past. It serves as a powerful reminder that the ideals of peace, advocated by John Lennon and other peace activists, are crucial for fostering harmony among nations and peoples worldwide. The release of the new stamps featuring John Lennon during the International Day of Peace further emphasizes the importance of spreading positivity and unity in today’s tumultuous world.
Do you think newer generations are still connecting with the message of peace in John Lennon’s music as strongly as before?
Yes, I believe that the timeless message of peace in John Lennon’s music continues to resonate with newer generations, just as powerfully as it did before. The release of the stamps featuring Lennon’s iconic imagery serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of his advocacy for a more peaceful world.
As a long-time fan of John Lennon, I believe his legacy of advocating for peace and unity continues to inspire us all. The release of these stamps is a poignant reminder of the power of music in spreading messages of hope and harmony. Let’s keep imagining a world where peace prevails.
As a music enthusiast, I truly appreciate the UN’s tribute to John Lennon through these stamps. It’s heartwarming to see his legacy of peace and unity being commemorated in such a meaningful way, especially during these turbulent times.