(Minghui.org) On May 12, 2012, seven thousand Falun Gong practitioners from around the world held a parade in Manhattan's Chinatown to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Falun Dafa's public introduction, and to tell people about the brutal persecution in China that has been ongoing for thirteen years. Many tourists were attracted and stopped to watch. Many said that they learned the facts about Falun Gong from the parade, and some condemned the persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The grand Falun Gong parade
Falun Gong teaches practitioners to be good people according to the principles of “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.” The five exercises are easy to learn and practitioners come from all walks of life, and from different age groups. Among the practitioners in the parade were eighty-year-old practitioners from Taiwan as well as kids in carts. Korean practitioners wore special outfits which they only wear on important occasions so that people would know that the practitioners are actually from different countries. The long parade attracted many people passing by.
It Is Good to Let People Know the Truth
Sally and Mary are from Ohio. They had never heard of Falun Gong until they saw the parade. They were so surprised that this was such a big parade, as they were watching it for half an hour. Sally said, “I think it is a wonderful thing that so many people celebrate Falun Dafa's public introduction and call for an end to the persecution in China. They are from different age groups. There are old and young. It is a very good way for them to express their point.”
From the banners in the parade, Sally learned about the brutal persecution going on in China today. She said, “Those pictures are actually very shocking. I am happy that I have come to know what is really going on in China since I did not have much chance to learn about that in America. It is good for people to know the truth.”
Human Rights Can Not Be Abused
Larry thinks that practicing Falun Gong is a beautiful thing
Mr. Brown is an engineer and he had seen such parades on TV, so he knew that it was a Falun Gong event. When he talked about the persecution, ongoing in China for thirteen years, he said, “Human rights is very important and should be enjoyed by people around the world.”
He said, “I think practicing Falun Gong is a beautiful thing, especially in such a busy city. Doing the exercises can make people feel peaceful and balance the body. So I think Falun Gong is good.”
From the pictures of persecution and the banners in the second section of “Persecution in Mainland China,” he learned about the persecution of Falun Gong by the CCP. He was very surprised, “I think it is crazy to carry out the persecution. It is ridiculous to persecute people for their faith. People should enjoy the freedom of belief.” He said he would also help to stop the persecution, “I will certainly help to stop the persecution. I will get on the Internet to see if I can help by donating. I will also spread the word on Facebook.”
Attorney Alan from Canada, and his family
Alan is a lawyer from Canada and he saw the parade when he was traveling to New York City with his family. He heard of Falun Gong when he was in Canada and knew that the CCP was persecuting Falun Gong practitioners. He said, “I know that Chinese people cannot attend a parade like this since there is no freedom in China. I think the persecution is a horrible thing and I know that practitioners in the Vancouver area actively help to stop the persecution. They appeal in front of the Chinese Consulate. There was also a court case associated with it. Finally, the practitioners won. They have got the permit to stay there. They built a small house and stay there day and night.”
I Respect Falun Gong
Falun Gong practitioners' activities of stopping the persecution have earned much respect. Mr. Zhao is an overseas Chinese who had been watching the parade on the sidewalk. He put up his two thumbs and said that he started to pay attention to Falun Gong after April 25, 1999, when practitioners went to appeal in Beijing. “I respect Falun Gong practitioners. I respect your belief. Although you have encountered such brutal persecution by the CCP, you still persist in your beliefs. The persecution should not have happened. I am not a Falun Gong practitioner but people should have their own belief. We should respect each other as well as other people's beliefs. Whether you believe Falun Gong or not, it is your own choice. But you should not persecute them. Why is Falun Gong practiced by people from many countries overseas but is prohibited in China where it originated? It does not make sense.”
He had also heard about high-ranking CCP officials involved in harvesting organs from living Falun Gong practitioners. He said, “I understand that the CCP is evil. Otherwise, it is not a communist party any more. Many of the highest ranking CCP positions are held by bad people. That is the organization of communism. The Communist Party not only persecutes other people but also its own members.”
