(Clearwisdom.net) On January 15, 2005, practitioners in Las Vegas and Los
Angeles participated in a large parade commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Las
Vegas.
Falun Gong practitioners' procession
This year was the 24th anniversary of the annual parade in Las
Vegas to commemorate the civil rights leader. Dr. King is still remembered
though many years have passed. His famous "I Have a Dream" speech
still encourages many people to strive for human rights.
To allow more people know abut Falun Gong and the human rights' abuses
occurring in China against Falun Gong, practitioners made two floats with
contrasting colors and decorations. The first float was decorated with one huge
pink lotus flower and five small lotuses. In each lotus, there was one
practitioner wearing a golden exercise suit and performing the exercises to the
peaceful meditation music. The five lotuses represent five continents and the
spread of Falun Dafa throughout the world.
Anti-torture exhibition appears in Las Vegas community parade
The second float was decorated in black and white. In the front of the float
were two women practitioners holding a white banner with blue words calling for
an end to the persecution. Then came the large float around which was white
cloth with white banners that read, "This is still happening in
China." On the float, three groups of practitioners re-enacted brutal
torture methods, including being confined to a small cage, hung from a wood
frame and tied to "Tiger Bench". Practitioners posing as police held
electric batons or force-feeding equipment and stood beside them. These
re-enactments are based on the brutal persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by
Chinese police and the 610 Office. The sharp contrast between the two floats had
a powerful effect.
After seeing the practitioner being tied to "Tiger Bench", a
gentleman was moved with emotion and shocked. His wife asked with tears in her
eyes "Is this really happening?" A practitioner answered, "Yes,
but not here. It is happening in China." The woman said, "It is cruel,
too cruel! My heart is broken. You are awaking people in America and the whole
world. I was born and grew up in America. Sometimes I forget that people are
striving for human rights in other countries. I am moved by your perseverance. I
will pray for you." She hugged the practitioner. The couple stayed nearby
and watched the practitioners until the procession moved on.
 
Fairy dance |
Spectators reading Falun Gong flyers |
Falun Gong practitioners' float was warmly welcomed on the parade path. The
audience applauded. Some imitated the movements of the practitioners performing
the exercises. Some shouted, "Falun Gong, Falun Gong." When the
procession passed the stage of appraisal committee, the audience cheered warmly.
The appraisal committee said to practitioners later, "Wonderful! It is one
of the most beautiful floats ever. We welcome you to participate in
future."
Yearly Archive
Printer Version