The Tao Te Ching says:

"The Tao of Heaven is eternal, and the earth is long enduring. Why are they long enduring? They do not live for themselves; thus they are present for all beings."

On the 13th this month (Sep 2005), Reuters report that the city of Mostar in Bosnia, a place torn by racial conflicts, have decided to erect a new symbol of national unity. This new symbol is none other than a bronze sculpture of the Legend of Chinese Kungfu - Bruce Lee. What is striking about this decision is that no matter whether they were Muslims, Serbs or Croats, all of them respect this towering figure of Asian martial arts.

During 1993 - 1994, wars have broken out between the local Serbs and Croats population in Mostar. Even after a truce was decalred, there was still constant bickering among the different racial groups. So in the year 2003, on the 30th Anniversary of Bruce lee's death, the city council came up with a way to unite all the races - by paying homage to a figure that everyone of them respects. This idea was first proposed in 2003 by a local Bruce Lee fan club in Mostar. They initiated this project and managed to find sponsors for their plan. Members of the fan club also had to wait 1 year to finally gain approval from the Mostar authorities.

One of the council members, Mr Selin Katarov said: "This will be our world monument to Righteousness; Mostar needs this kind of spirit more than any other city." Indeed, what this war torn place need most is a symbol that represents righteousness, power and honesty - virtues exemplified by Bruce Lee in his films. "Bruce Lee is a true international hero, and he is also looked upon as a hero among all races here in Bosnia. Thus we have chosen him. We plan to build this monument of Bruce lee in November, right in the city center."

As we all know, Bruce Lee was born in San Francisco in 1940. Having acted in many Kungfu movies, the most notable ones were of course "The Big Boss", "Fist of Fury", "Way of the Dragon", "Enter the Dragon", and finally the "Game of Death". He died in 1973 due to a drug allergy, at the age of 32. A German group had also agreed to donate 5000 Euros to help in this project. This bronze sculpture made by a local sculptor will feature the Kungfu Master in a fighting posture. When it is completed, Bruce Lee's widow Linda will also be invited to grace the opening ceremony.

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