Celebrate peace from comfort of your own bed just like Yoko Ono and John Lennon
Today at Prometour we will be celebrating the International Day of Peace! In 1981, the United Nations declared September 21st as a day dedicated to the opposition of war and violence worldwide. On this day every year, the UN calls for war zones to ceasefire while they promote the values embodied by peace education.
As we take a moment to reflect on the need to end worldwide violence, we are reminded of our city’s unique role in popular culture’s celebration of peace. In 1969, Montreal’s Queen Elizabeth Hotel served as the backdrop for one of Yoko Ono and John Lennon’s notorious “Bed-Ins for Peace”. Dressed in pajamas and tucked in bed Lennon famously stated, “There is an alternative to war. It’s staying in bed and growing your hair”. For eight days the couple used the Queen E’s suite 1742 to perform their modified sit-in to protest the war in Vietnam.
The Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal served as the location for the second Bed-In for Peace
Lennon and Ono’s 1969 visit to Montreal continues to resonate with locals; decades after the Bed-In, exhibits celebrating their work continue to materialize throughout the city. In commemoration of its 50th anniversary in 2019, the Queen Elizabeth Hotel returned suite 1742 to its former glory with past décor and hung reworked “Hair Peace” and “Bed Peace” signs. Guests were welcomed to tour the infamous room with the sound of original recordings and photos from Lennon and Ono’s stay.
It's clear that there is not one single way to celebrate peace; creativity coupled with a strong sense of passion are what matter the most!
