ON THIS DAY IN 2002, LIVERPOOL AIRPORT UNVEILED A NEW RENOVATION HONOURING JOHN LENNON

The airport itself was renamed to the Liverpool John Lennon International airport on the same day out of respect for the renowned musician, alongside an expansion to the airports grounds. The centrepiece, a seven-foot bronze statue of Lennon strident in his trademark glasses, a t-shirt and casual suit, was unveiled by Yoko Ono and Prime Minister Tony Blair’s wife Cherie. The statue was sculpted by Tom Murphy, and is considered one of his best works. Yoko said of his work “It’s brilliant. I think it captures John and shows him, moving, alive rather than standing still.”

Yoko went on to speak on the importance of the monument, claiming “The world needs communication and this Liverpool John Lennon Airport will promote the growth of international communication for Liverpool and for the world. Communication and exchanging will lead to understanding and understanding will create love and peace. And the world needs peace.”

The statue remains in place at the check-in hall, where it is admired by thousands every day. An inscription on the statue reads, “Above Us Only Sky”, a popular lyric from Lennon’s peace anthem “Imagine”.