(Clearwisdom.net) "Gorgeous!" Viewers applauded when the Falun Gong practitioners' procession passed by the podium.

Practitioners' procession

Practitioners' procession

Lion dancing

Lion dancing

Practitioners' exercise demonstration

A spectator learns the second set of exercises

On Saturday, September 3, 2005, Anthony H. Williams, a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, held an annual good neighbor street celebration. It was the sixteenth this year. Practitioners from the greater Philadelphia area were invited to participate in the parade and stage performance. They performed lion dancing, fan dancing, waist drum and Falun Gong exercise demonstrations.

State Senator Williams from Senate District 8 said that the event was held to unite the whole community regardless of color, race or spiritual belief. Neighbors celebrated together the accomplishments of the community to motivate students in the new academic year and to leave good memories for families. In the event, there was a float, drum players, and honor guard. The Falun Gong practitioners were invited again as the only Chinese group to participate in the event. They brought traditional Chinese culture to Philadelphia and spread the grace of Dafa throughout the city.

A young practitioner distributes truth-clarification literature

State Legislator Ronald G. Waters poses for a group photo with practitioners

People sign to support the rescue of Falun Gong orphans

Many people came to the practitioners' booth to sign a petition calling for rescuing orphans of Falun Gong practitioners. Many practitioners in China were brutally persecuted by Chinese Communist Party, and their children live in extreme hardship. Ms. Tulweni Mbango was one of the people who signed. She said, "I understand very well those victims. I come from South Africa, where I lived in a refugee camp with my parents. At age 5, I was sent to East Germany, which was controlled by the Communist Party. I know well the suffering without freedom. I wish more people will be freed from the suffering. Let us fight for human rights!"

Senator Williams and State Legislator Waters saw the practitioners' performance three years ago in a community event and liked it very much. They have since invited the practitioners to participate in their community celebration.