(Clearwisdom.net)
Falun Gong practitioners in Philadelphia were invited to participate in activities on the local "Children's Day" at Landing Festival Pier on July 5, 2003. The theme was "Education Creates Unlimited Chances for Children." It was part of Philadelphia's Independence Day activities aiming to educate kids with a variety of cultural activities.
It was a sweltering summer day, but the crowds of parents and children filled the busy pier.
An outstanding golden banner marked the Falun Gong booth. The five display boards with introduction to young practitioners attracted many kids and their parents. Mr. Cheng, an elderly Dafa practitioner, set up his ink and brush to write "Truth, Good and Endure" in Chinese characters. People waited in a long line to get this precious souvenir. The booth was kept busy throughout the day. Practitioners explained Chinese Calligraphy as well Falun Dafa, and introduced the principles of "Truth, Good and Endurance" to children. The parents all nodded with agreement.
Performances were part of the celebration. Falun Gong practitioners were invited to demonstrate the exercises and gave various performances. Practitioners rehearsed the programs with a short notice. They showed the beauty of "Truth, Good and Endure" to the children in Philadelphia. Practitioners sang praise for Dafa from the bottom of their hearts. During the performance, a practitioner introduced Dafa, the music, and the brutal persecution of Falun Gong to the audience. She also interviewed the young practitioners who were in the performance. Their answers were so sincere, cute and moving that the audience gave them waves of applause.
An organizer of this event, happily watched the performance and said, "You are welcome to come back next year. Falun Gong is so relaxing! After '9.11', people need to calm down and gain spiritual strength, including adults and children. Falun Gong's performance is so beautiful! The costumes are gorgeous! It is very peaceful and meaningful! Your spiritual strength is educational."
Some of the children and parents visiting our booth had watched our parade the day before. They told us, "It is gorgeous! Where is the practice site?" Some of them have watched discussions of Falun Gong on TV. They said, "The crackdown is very cruel! All based on lies!" A kid even told a practitioner, "I can feel a kind of warm energy around your booth. It is miraculous!" "These kids' meditation is so beautiful! What made them so self-disciplined?" Everyone praised the beauty of "Truth, Good and Endure".
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