It really was an amazing coincidence, I think, that the first Songs
For Peace(www.songsforpeace.net) ceremony was held in downtown Montreal. (See the newly posted video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jid7JoPmj24) In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono celebrated
their honeymoon there at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel. The suite where they held court, in bed, for
the press and a few friends is a cherished shrine, and popular for nightly
rentals. It’s where John actually wrote
and recorded his famous peace anthem, “Give Peace a Chance.”
French Canadian Dominic Cobello told me that he’s the one who
greeted John and Yoko as they disembarked the plane in Montreal. He offered to
find a place for them to stay, and
consequently attended the “bed-in.” We hoped to hear his story at the
Montreal Songs For Peace event, though unfortunately Dominic
couldn’t find our small set-up in the park. The
next time Songs For Peacers meet in Montreal—for a larger crowd-- I’m going to
heed Dominic’s advice and get a raised stage, so he can find us.
I do think that Songs For Peace seems to be blessed somehow, with
a Beatles presence. Professional videographer,
and Canadian Rotarian, Chris Cochrane kindly agreed to film the ceremony for us. He has also videotaped Sir Paul McCartney.
And (though no relation to John) local Rotarian Manon Lennon was very helpful with the
Montreal arrangements, as Canadian Rotarians graciously entertained
thousands of members at their annual convention. Manon and Corina Mihaela Paraschiv appear in the ceremony clip
reminding everyone to "give peace a chance," in French. "Tout ce que nous voulons dire est donnez une chance a la paix."
Also, in the New Songs for Peace video, is a beautiful sing-along
peace song by New England songwriter, Joyce Andersen. I hope that people everywhere will listen to
the messages in her tune, which question war and proclaim worldwide
brotherhood. And I can imagine the positive
energy of a stadium filled with people singing along with every other line, "My heart is filled with love," promoting the message of worldwide peace, through the international language of music.
--Candy Isaac
SONGS FOR PEACE
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