By a Practitioner in Las Vegas

(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 100^th anniversary of the establishment of Las Vegas.

This year was the 24^th 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."

Posting date: 1/24/2005
Original article date: 1/23/2005
Category: Falun Dafa Worldwide
Chinese version available at http://minghui.ca/mh/articles/2005/1/22/94011.html

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