By enlisting together, the brothers ensured that they would not be drafted - or separated. 1969 - As a protest against Britain's military involvement in foreign conflicts, John Lennon returns his Member of the British Empire medal, with an attached letter that reads: "Your Majesty, I am returning this MBE in 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.