Yoko Ono: The migrant crisis would have 'upset' John Lennon

John Lennon would have turned 75 on October 9 this year –- and Yoko Ono doesn't want to let his birthday pass without paying a special tribute.

To celebrate Lennon's life, the artist and activist told AOL.com she planned 'very special' events to honor his memory.

Ono invited people from all over the world to converge in New York's Central Park on October 6 to help her send a message to the world about peace.

"To celebrate this year, we'll be forming a human peace symbol in Central Park," Ono told AOL.com.

See photos from the event

READ MORE: Yoko Ono plans record-breaking event to honor John Lennon

Thousands of people came together in the park's East Meadow section in a celebration that included surprise musical performances and family entertainment.

Ono also joined the crowds as they created the peace sign.

"John was a very important activist and what he did is something that really had an effect in the world," she said. "I really think that he still –- his work –- is having an effect in the world and I think it will go on."

See photos of John Lennon and Yoko Ono through the years

For her, New York was the ideal city to hold the event.

"We remember and I remember and you remember too -- John was fanatic about New York City. John was in love with New York," Ono said. "To do it in New York is very important. It's special."

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But Ono doesn't doubt that Lennon's passion for activism would have grown had he been alive today. She said the thinks her late husband "would have been very, very, very upset" by the growing migrant crisis.

"Think about it, John was an immigrant. John immigrated to the United States ... and he was very proud of it," she said. "He was very proud of his green card and he did a lot of things for this country."

Ono said the global issue, which traverses both "human rights and human life," needs to be dealt with.

But she believes if Lennon were alive today, he'd be pleasantly surprised by the number of people who are rallying behind global causes to bring about change.

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"He probably is looking around and thinking, 'Oh, it's great there are so many activists now,'" she said.

To also honor Lennon's memory, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is doing a residency tour of New York City and the five boroughs. The bus is a non-profit, state-of the art recording facility that provides hands-on music experiences for students of all ages.

Following the celebrations in New York, Ono heads to Iceland to light the Imagine Peace tower on October 9, Lennon's birthday. The tower will stay lit until December 31.

See images of the tower:

Ono said she's happy so many people want to honor the life of Lennon – even if there are a few misconceptions that still remain.

"There have been so many things that have been said about John –- bad and good," she said. "If I kept fighting that each time, I'd be very tired. I just ignore them and be thankful that there are so many people who still understand John and love John for what he was."

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