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Lost John Lennon Relic Found After 40 Years

One of John Lennon's loudest political statements is being heard again 40 years after his initial protest. In 1969, as part of his call for peace, the Beatles icon returned his MBE (an insignia awarded for outstanding contribution to the British Empire) to Buckingham Palace with a note that read, "Your Majesty, I am returning my MBE as a protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam and against 'Cold Turkey' slipping down the charts." He signed the note, "With Love, John Lennon."

Now, the insignia, assumed melted down or recycled according to the Times London, has been found in a vault along with the handwritten note. The MBE is at the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, in St James's Palace. Ironically, though long forgotten, a Palace spokesman says that's where it's held ever since its arrival there.

While Beatles fans are calling for its release and public display, Buckingham Palace is leaving that decision to Lennon's widow Yoko Ono. "In order to decide whether the medal could go on display in a museum, we would have to establish ownership first. It could be up to Yoko Ono as she is the custodian of John Lennon's estate," the spokesman said.

Lennon apparently wasn't the only rocker who felt he would be "selling out to the establishment" by taking the honor. A 2003 memo revealed that David Bowie also returned his award.

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George

John Lennon was always protesting something, it was just part of being himself, Paul McCartney, on the otherhand, was a pain in the ass. But, that was being Paul. He is still kinda being stupid. Giving in to gold diggers. He should have stalled her untill she was an old woman with gray hair and wrinkles.

February 28 2009 at 9:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
George

The only statement YOKO OHHh NO could make that would influence me in anyway sew her lip shut, .... or maybe drop dead !

February 28 2009 at 9:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
eas1949

It is no surprise that being such an advocate for peace that John Lennon would find if appropriate, and in his mind necessary to refuse this appointed honor and return the accompanied awarded medal to Buckingham Palace along with a signed explanation.

Rightful ownership of this so-called relic and discretion of its future belongs not to his widow, but Buckingham Palace. Lennon refused the award and returned it in protest, and it has been in the possession of Buckingham Palace for the past 40 years. Lennon relinquished the right of ownership when he refused and returned it to the sender.

February 02 2009 at 2:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jforte3588

John Lennon lives forever!

January 07 2009 at 8:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply