In the morning of October 7th, the octagon-shaped outdoor atrium in the middle of the Ortega Park in Sunnyvale, CA had a new look. Several banners celebrating "Falun Dafa Day" were hung in the middle and two sides of the atrium. Silk flowers, colorful bands, and balloons filled every corner. The atmosphere was that of a big celebration. Close to two hundred practitioners in the San Francisco area gathered at the atrium to celebrate the four-year anniversary of Master Li Hongzhi's visit to the Ortega Park practice site (he visited here on October 5th of 1996).
The celebration ceremony began after the practitioners finished their group practice. The practitioner representatives kicked off the celebration with speeches. The mayor of Sunnyvale Ms. Voreitter asked the city councilman Mr. Fowler to give the keynote speech and read the "Sunnyvale Falun Dafa Day" proclamation on her behalf. U.S. Congresswoman Ms. Eshoo also sent a congratulatory letter. The practitioners gave a set of Falun Dafa books and a "Friend of Falun Dafa" medal to the mayor, the city councilman and the head of the park to thank them for their support of Falun Gong. The hour-long ceremony was conducted in a solemn, meaningful, yet lively manner. The local English community newspaper and several Chinese media outlets sent reporters to cover the ceremony.
Two pictures attached:
#1: Practitioner representative giving a speech
#2: Group picture of all Falun Gong practitioners who attended the celebration
