Written by JACKIE CHAN, Translated by Diana C. Wang
September 21, 2001
http://www.Jackie-Chan.com/
jackiechan@stareastnet.com
My Dearest Friends,
Willie tells me many of you have written in asking if I have [any]
special messages, comments, anything at all, to say about the recent
September 11 crisis.Unfortunately, I do not have any words of wisdom. The attached pretty
much summarizes how I've felt these past ten days.I would like to share it with all of you.
Much Love, Jackie....
A SPECIAL LETTER FROM JACKIE CHAN — SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
September 11th, 2001 will be an unforgettable date in my memory. It
was my first day 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've always wished I had the power
to prevent the destruction. But when I witnessed the horrors of those
terrorist 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 our 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
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 DC.In order for all of us to recuperate from these tragic events, we must
allow our 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 help 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 all 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
all those victims, their friends and families.My heartfelt condolences to all the victims of the tragedy that
occurred in the US 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 spiritual beliefs, we all inhabit the same planet and
must learn to live in peace and harmony.