FANS CELEBRATE HIS MEMORY AT STRAWBERRY FIELDS MEMORIAL 32 YEARS AFTER

Public fascination with John Lennon only seems to have increased since he was assassinated outside his New York City home 32 years ago on Dec. 8, 1980. The former Beatle and accomplished solo singer became an international symbol for peace and today is mentioned in the same breath as some of the most revered leaders and artists from around the world. The anniversary of his death on Saturday gave his adoring fans another day to celebrate his memory.

Many fans are likely to visit the Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park on Saturday. The centerpiece of the landscaped display is the Imagine Circle, named for Lennon’s most famous song as a solo artist, "Imagine." The memorial almost always is decorated with a peace sign made of flowers and candles assembled by volunteers.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Strawberry Fields took on new meaning when it became a place of mourning and public prayers for peace. Strawberry Fields is filled with visitors every year on John’s birthday (Oct. 9) and death (Dec. 8). In the summer the memorial is surrounded by flowers, and its designated quiet area is shaded by dozens of giant elm trees near the intersection of West 72^nd and Central Park West. It sits in the shadow of the Dakota Building, where Lennon lived and was entering when he was shot by Mark David Chapman.