New York, December 8, 2005 – The 25th anniversary of Beatle John Lennon’s death drew an even bigger than usual crowd to Strawberry Field, the memorial in Central Park, across the street from Lennon’s home. The annual vigil is a rite where people gather, sing, light candles and reflect around a mosaic centerpiece bearing the word “Imagine”.

At one point in the afternoon, there was a flurry of activity at The Dakota, the apartment house where Lennon was shot, and security guards scrambled. Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, decided only moments before that she would go to the memorial. She walked over, surrounded by security guards. A hush fell over the crowd, and Ono stood for a few moments, reflecting silently, and then laid a bouquet of white flowers onto the mosaic. Yoko then stood up, and walked back home without saying a word.