Lennon anniversary: Yoko not sure she can forgive
Yoko Ono has called for “healing” on the 26th anniversary of John Lennon’s death.
Ono, 73, says she did not know whether she was “ready yet to forgive the one who pulled the trigger”.
But in a full-page advert published in newspapers around the world today, she says: “Every year, let's make December 8 the day to ask for forgiveness from those who suffered the insufferable.”
She adds: “Thank you for your undying love for John and also for your concern for me on this tragic anniversary.
“This year, though, on December 8, 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.
“To the people who have also lost loved ones without cause: forgive us for having been unable to stop the tragedy. We pray for the wounds to heal.
“To the soldiers of all countries and of all centuries, who were maimed for life, or who lost their lives: forgive us for our misjudgements and what happened as a result of them.
She says: “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.”
Beatle Lennon, 40, was gunned down by loner Mark Chapman on December 8, 1980, in Manhattan. Chapman remains in state prison in New York and was recently denied parole for the fourth time.
