May 13, 2002 is a day celebrated in heaven and on earth. Ten years ago, Falun Dafa embarked on a most magnificent journey. Ten years later, across all corners of the world, millions of practitioners, government officials and people from all walks of life regardless of their nationalities, races, and social classes came to celebrate this important day.
Queensland practitioners held a series of activities to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. Falun Gong practitioners in Queensland, Australia gathered together at King George Square on May 12 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the public introduction of Falun Dafa. Senator Andrew Bartlett, a strong supporter of Falun Gong, led off events with a warm welcoming and congratulatory speech. Following is the speech of Senator Andrew Bartlett:
"I would like to congratulate you all on the 10th anniversary of Falun Dafa being spread in the world. This year is also the 25th anniversary of theáDemocrats Party, and the principles for our party also includeáhonesty, tolerance and compassion.áSo I can fully appreciate the principles of Falun Dafa, which are Truth, Compassion and Tolerance. á
There areáa lot of injustices and problems in today's world, which make it even more important that we uphold these principles. I'm very sorry that Falun Gong and these principles are being persecuted in China.
áI hope that there will be more groups of people in society who will follow the same principles.
áToday, you are celebrating the 10th anniversary. I hope that when you celebrate the 20th anniversary there will be even more people celebrating it together with you. "
After Senator's speech, representatives of the Queensland Falun Dafa Association gave an opening remark to officially start the celebration. Two cultivation families, one a western family from Golden Coast and one a Chinese family, told of tremendous changes in their families and the beauty and magnificence Falun Dafa has brought to them.
During the celebration ceremony, a dozen of young practitioners performed nice programs for the guests, including poems "Knowing Heart", "Dafa Hao", songs "Falun Dafa Hao", "Song for Teacher". Then all practitioners demonstrated Dafa exercises. The performance concluded with everyone singing "Falun Dafa Hao." All guests, including passersby, were deeply moved by the peace and pure song.
A Chinese practitioner made a giant birthday cake, while other practitioners prepared delicious foods for the guests. After the ceremony, practitioners distributed flyers and also platefuls of candy and food to pedestrians so they could also share the festive celebration of 10 years of Falun Dafa's introduction to the world.
Practitioners continued to hold celebrations in Chinatown.
