| September 11th, 2001 will be an unforgettable date in my memory. It was my first say on the set of "THE TUXEDO," in Toronto. First day, First scene, First shot. I was very excited and in a good mood because it was my first film with Dreamworks. Suddenly, news quickly spread about the terrorist attacks in the United States. We crowded around the small T.V. and watched in horror. Crew members cried at the sight of all those innocent lives destroyed in minutes, myself included. I can't comprehend how anyone could be capable of such a violent act. I don't remember what I did for the rest of the day. I couldn't sleep for the rest of the week. I went home every night and watched the same terrifying images unfold, filled with disbelief, rage, confusion and sadness. Whenever I watch natural disasters on television, like volcano eruptions, earthquakes and floods, I always wished I had the power to prevent the destruction. But when I witnessed the horrors of those terorist attacks, I suddenly wished I was superman. I wanted to catch those lethal planes in my hands, extinguish the flames with one breath, swallow the dust and debris and save all those innocent lives beneath. I knew I was incapable of such supernatural powers and felt depressed with helplessness. The real heroes in out communities emerged during this time of crisis. The firemen, policemen and rescue workers sacrificed and risked their lives, helping and saving those in need, irregardless of ethnicity or religious beliefs. Thousands were willing to search, if only to find one survivor, but sadly, it took only a few to destroy the lives of thousands. I'm not well versed in politics but I feel that the leaders of the world must keep their emotions in check and think about the consequences of their actions. I know that everyone is angry and in grief, but I also know that revenge and violence does not solve any problems. I would not want anyone else in the world to go through the pain and suffering caused by the traumatic events in New York and Washington D.C. In order for all of us to recuperate from these tragic events, we must allow out lives to continue. My stunt team and the entire crew of our film will donate blood and money to help those who are in need. It doesn't matter to me the ethnicity or religious beliefs of the recipient as long as I can save a life. I will do what I do best and continue to entertain the world. I will wake up in the morning, train and go to work. I hope my work will help bring a smile or laughter to all the rescue workers, firemen, policemen, friends and family members of all the survivors and victims at the end of their day. Depression and hatred will not help our communities heal and grow, but love and action will. I urge everyone to continue to live your life. I will do the best work I possibly can and I hope you will do the same. We must be strong for each other, love our brothers and sisters all over the world, and take care of the future generations to come. The United States is a multi-ethnic community so this terrorist attack is also an attack against the world. We are all suffering on behalf of those victims, their friends and families. My heartfelt condolences to all the victims of the tragedy that occured in the U.S. on September 11th, 2001. You are not forgotten. Your hopes and dreams will be realized and we will all help take care of those you've left behind. Despite our different cultural backgrounds and spiritural beliefs, we all inhabit the same planet and must learn to live in peace and harmony. Written by Jackie Chan Translated by Diana C. Wang September 21, 2001 |
| September 11th Letter |