(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners in Vancouver held a candlelight vigil at the square in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery on July 20 to honor the practitioners in China who lost their lives for upholding their faith.
The persecution of Falun Gong was officially launched on July 20, 1999, 15 years ago. As of July 24, 3,769 deaths have been documented and confirmed, while the actual death toll is feared to be much higher.
Candlelight vigil at the square in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery
Sharon Brawn, former member of Vancouver city council, stated that the Canadian government should increase its efforts to stop the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong.
Former official of Vancouver city government, Sharon Brawn, encountered the event and said that she was aware of Falun Gong and the protest activities that local practitioners have been holding in front of the consulate.
She said that a regime that persecutes its own people cannot be trusted. Falun Gong practitioners are suffering from such brutal persecution just because they want the opportunity to practice freely--this is unreasonable, she said.
She also mentioned that she has signed postcards urging the CCP to stop the persecution of Falun Gong. She believed that the Canadian government should take further action to stop the persecution.
The square in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the most bustling areas in the city. The exercise demonstration by the Falun Gong group attracted many people to stop and learn more.
Many also signed the postcards that urge the Canadian government to help stop the persecution of Falun Gong in China. Nearly 1,000 signatures were collected within several hours.
People sign the postcards to support Falun Gong.
Vancouver citizens read the posters about Falun Gong.
Vancouver citizen Lloyd Alan Cooke stopped to show his support, “Seven generations of my family have lived in Vancouver. I am very familiar with Falun Gong. I often read The Epoch Times and I know a lot about the Chinese Communist Party. Fifteen years is too long. It is a shame for humanity that the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong has lasted fifteen years.”
Mr. Lloyd Alan Cooke said, “It is a shame for humanity that the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong has lasted fifteen years.”
He continued, “The persecution of Falun Gong must end immediately. I have personally told an official from China who came to Canada to discuss investments that they must stop persecuting Falun Gong immediately. I told him to bring this demand to China and pass it on to the persecutors.”
Victor said he could feel the power of compassion at the Falun Gong activity.
It was the first time Victor learned about Falun Gong. He signed the postcards urging CCP to stop the persecution of Falun Gong. He said that he could feel the peacefulness of Falun Gong practitioners when they were exercising.
He said he could feel the power of compassion from the practitioners. He even felt that his own physical state was improving while watching the exercises, and he wanted to stay as long as possible.
American tourist Jack Wolff supports Falun Gong practitioners' efforts.
Mr. and Mrs.Wolff join the candlelight vigil held by Falun Gong practitioners.
Jack Wolff and his wife are tourists from the United States. When they saw Falun Gong practitioners preparing for the candlelight vigil, he gave a handshake and high-five to every practitioner in the front rows to express his support. He believed that freedom of belief cannot be deprived and strongly supported Falun Gong practitioners efforts to stand up against tyranny.
He said that, from a historical perspective, Falun Gong practitioners will definitely prevail. Wolff and his wife also joined the candlelight vigil, solemnly holding a candle in honor of Falun Gong until the end of the event.
Category: July 20 Events
