Ono does not forgive Lennon's killer

12/08/2006 2:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
Dotmusic

Yoko Ono has appealed to people across the world to mark the anniversary of John Lennon's assassination today by healing the world.

The widow of the former Beatle has issued a lengthy statement calling for peace and forgiveness for all, 26 years after Lennon was shot dead in New York.

Ono, who admits she still cannot forgive Mark David Chapman for killing her husband, tells victims of violence across the world that "your loss is our loss."

The statement includes the following excerpts: "Every year on this day I hear from many from all over the world who remember my husband, John Lennon, and his message of peace. They tell me they are thinking of John on this day and how he was shot and killed at the prime of life, at age 40, when he had so much life ahead of him. Thank you for your undying love for John and also for your concern for me on this tragic anniversary.

"This year, though, on December 8th, while we remember John, I would also like us to focus on sending the following messages to the millions of people suffering around the world. Know that your loss is our loss. Know that the physical and mental abuse that you have endured will have a lingering effect on our society, and the world. Know the burden is ours.

"As the widow of one who was killed by an act of violence, I don't know if I am ready yet to forgive the one who pulled the trigger. I am sure all victims of violent crimes feel as I do. But healing is what is urgently needed now in the world. Let's heal the wounds together. Every year, let's make December 8th the day to ask for forgiveness from those who suffer the insufferable.

"Let's wish strongly that one day we will be able to say that we healed ourselves, and by healing ourselves, we healed the world."