Washington DC: Large Group Practice of Falun Gong Exercises in Front of the Lincoln Memorial

By a Falun Dafa practitioner in Washington DC

(Clearwisdom.net) July 20, 2008 marked the ninth year of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. At 9:00 a.m. on July 19, 2008, hundreds of Falun Gong practitioners of different nationalities conducted a group practice on the lawn in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, attracting much attention from people passing by.

Tourists passing by saw the practitioners' peaceful movements and came over to learn more about Falun Gong. Many people said that they understand and support Falun Gong's principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Many Americans said that it is not surprising that the CCP dictatorial regime suppresses such a group as Falun Gong, which teaches people to be kind, because everybody knows that the Communist dictators advocate falsehood, hatred and violence.

Roger Blotti, a tourist from Colorado, carefully read the materials about Falun Gong. He was impressed that Falun Gong practitioners have such a steadfast belief. He expressed disgust with the CCP's vile deeds, and hopes more people can learn that such actions are against basic rights of humanity and freedom of belief. He also hopes that the American government will stand up to uphold justice.

Joe Scott from Washington DC walked up and shook hands with practitioners to express his support. He said that he had been to Beijing, and learned that the CCP suppresses Falun Gong. He said, "I found that nearly everything that the CCP suppresses and forbids is a good thing. I know your group is very peaceful, and will absolutely not pose any threat to the Chinese Communist regime. It is only that they feel jealous of your group's popularity, since as a communist regime, it tries to maintain its absolute authority. You must keep up your effort, and you will succeed."

Paul McHorse, who was visiting DC from New Mexico, had received information about Falun Gong before. Today he saw the Falun Gong exercises, and he showed great interest in learning. McHorse, who is of Native American descent, is a spiritual person and believes in improving body, mind and soul. He agrees with Falun Gong's principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. He also condemned the CCP's persecution.

McHorse said that after he returns to New Mexico, he plans to find local practitioners to learn Falun Gong.

Mr. Jiang, who was jailed for refusing to give up Falun Gong when he was in China, came to the US over two years ago. He said, "It is so wonderful to have the freedom to practice with so many felow practitioners on the lawn in front of the Lincoln Memorial. It feels like I have gone back to the peaceful time prior to the persecution." But the experience was bittersweet for Mr. Jiang. He said, "Why should Chinese people have to come to the United States to enjoy the freedom to practice Falun Gong?"

Chinese version available at http://minghui.ca/mh/articles/2008/7/22/182559.html

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