Today marks the 30th anniversary of John Lennon’s death. On the night of December 8, 1980 John Lennon was shot in the back as he and Yoko Ono returned to their New York apartment at The Dakota. Word spread fast as the late night news broadcasts ran the story and Howard Cosell famously announced the “unspeakable tragedy” during the nationally televised Monday Night Football game. The country and the world were left numb that evening as a special talent, cultural icon and person was taken far too soon.

From his first arrival in The USA with The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show to his political activism and fight for peace, John Lennon had our attention. He touched us with his music, art and message and led a revolution in popular culture that captured the imagination of an entire generation. Today we remember the joy John Lennon brought the world both while he was alive and decades after his passing.

John Lennon’s fans celebrated his life throughout the world today. In New York City, admirers visited Strawberry Fields, the Central Park garden dedicated in his honor, to play his music and place flowers on a mosaic named for his song “Imagine.” In Liverpool, Lennon’s hometown, a vigil was held around the Peace and Harmony sculpture in Chavasse Park. At a tribute Tuesday night, Yoko Ono summed up the feelings of fans worldwide:

“On this tragic anniversary please join me in remembering John with deep love and respect. In his short lived life of 40 years, he has given so much to the world. The world was lucky to have known him. We still learn so much from him today. John, I love you!”