(Clearwisdom.net) On May 13, 2004, Falun Gong practitioners from the metropolitan Philadelphia area celebrated World Falun Dafa Day at the Liberty Bell, a famous tourist site in the city. On the same day, the Philadelphia city council announced May as "Falun Dafa Month." Practitioners sincerely hoped that Falun Gong practitioners living in Mainland China could celebrate World Falun Dafa Day without fear of persecution in the near future.

A teacher and students from Hopkinson Elementary School are learning Falun Gong exercises

Lovely children learning the exercises

China traditional waist drum performance

Passersby applaud with the rhythm of the waist drum performance

The world needs Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance

Practitioners Yvette Scarlett and Phil Randell hosted the event. Activities included the traditional waist drum, dance, and demonstration of the exercises. Colorful costumes and banners displaying "World Falun Dafa Day," and "Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance" attracted many people. Some took photos with the performances and banners in the background for their memory.

The Philadelphia city council proclaimed May 2004 as "Falun Dafa Month," stating, "Your universal message to improve human rights, moral reconstruction, and the health and well being of all people is a message embraced by all Philadelphians."

Pennsylvania Congressman Joseph Hoeffel wrote a congratulatory letter to the event and sent a representative to congratulate the World Falun Dafa Day in person.

In his congratulatory letter, Congressman Robert Andrews wrote, "I am proud to be an open Falun Gong supporter. I support Falun Gong's effort in perusing freedom in the face of the persecution from China's government... I wish someday China's government will call Falun Gong a peaceful exercise and include it as part of Chinese culture...."

City councilman Jack Kelly wrote to Falun Gong practitioners stating that he appreciates Falun Dafa, an exercise based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance.

Senator Shirley M. Kitchen, Michael J. Stack, and Congressman Mario J. Civera Jr. also wrote congratulatory letters to the event.

The local media reported on the activities.