California: Candlelight Vigil in San Diego Commemorates Falun Dafa Practitioners Persecuted to Death

(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in San Diego, California did the exercises and held a candlelight vigil in a park near the USS Midway Museum on July 16, 2022. They commemorated 23 years of peaceful resistance to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution and mourned those practitioners who were persecuted to death in China.

Group exercise

Candlelight vigil

Hector Arista and his family said they were drawn by the Falun Dafa exercises. Hector said that he had always been interested in meditation. “It warms my heart to see a group of people meditate so calmly even though they are surrounded by so many distractions,” he said. Hector said that the CCP’s cruelty, like harvesting organs from living practitioners, was unacceptable in the 21^st century. He wanted to help spread the word, and encouraged practitioners. “It’s important to hold onto your hope and let people around the world know what’s happening!”

Crowds of people were at the park that day. Many stopped to sign a petition, urging the American government to pass a law in support of Falun Dafa practitioners.

Tourists sign the petition.

Norberto and his friend Gabriella wanted to help and signed the petition. Norberto said, “I wish them freedom. We don’t want Communism here.” Gabriella said, “I hope the Chinese people will be able to exercise their rights and freedom. We hope our signatures on the petition will help!”

Mike Tuck, a federal government employee, was invited by his practitioner friend to join the candlelight vigil. He said that he knew the Chinese government persecuted religious groups. He praised the candlelight vigil as a great way to remember those who died from the persecution and to raise awareness. He said he hopes the persecution will end as soon as possible.

Practitioner Wang Hong personally experienced the persecution in China. He had been thrown into labor camps twice and brainwashing centers three times just for practicing Falun Dafa. Both Hong and his wife had to leave their homes to avoid further persecution. They had to send their twelve-month-old daughter to her grandparents. When their daughter was six years old, the family finally reunited.

Hong said, “Every year I mourn my fellow practitioners who have died from the persecution. The CCP’s persecution has targeted mankind’s universal values. Our activities aim to raise awareness of the persecution, and call for support. Compassion brings hope for a bright future.”