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(Clearwisdom.net) Nearly 2,400 Falun Gong practitioners from around the world came to Los Angeles to attend the Western US International Fa Conference on February 25, 2006. On February 26, they gathered in Chinatown in Los Angeles to hold a series of truth clarification activities, including a large-scale group practice, a rally and a grand parade to expose and call for an end to the Chinese Communist Party's persecution of Falun Gong.
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The weather was warm and the sunshine was brilliant in Los Angeles. Before 8:00 a.m., practitioners came in succession to Chinatown Park to hold a group practice. The grand scene and peaceful atmosphere attracted many passersby to stop and watch. Some of them took pictures to keep as souvenirs, some learned the facts about Falun Gong, and some inquired about where practice sites are.
At the big rally, over a dozen people, including Falun Gong practitioners and people from different walks of life made speeches exposing the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong, and calling for all people with a sense of justice to stand up to jointly resist and stop the persecution.
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After the rally, there was a grand parade. The parade procession was led by the vigorous and majestic Celestial Band, and strains of music accompanied by drumbeats reverberated in the sky. Behind the large band came the celestial maidens' group, a float, and groups exposing the persecution. The entire procession extended over a dozen blocks. Many people were amazed at the splendor and grandeur of the parade. Many passersby expressed that this was the first time they had seen a Falun Gong parade, and were amazed at the vastness of the procession.
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Falun Gong practitioner Dr. Gao Dawei stated that this Western US Fa conference was very important, and it was the first time we displayed the majestic appearance of the Celestial Band composed of Falun Gong practitioners. In addition, there was also an anti-persecution rally and a grand parade.
Dr. Gao said that during the Fa conference, practitioners from all over the world, including practitioners from mainland China, shared their experiences over the past six years in the process of resisting the persecution by the Chinese Communist Party. They have been persisting in clarifying the truth to Chinese people and people around the world, displaying the beauty of Falun Dafa, and helping the world recognize Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Their efforts have enabled Falun Dafa to be warmly received by people from all countries where it has been spread, and further exposed the evil CCP's unconscionable and senseless persecution.
Dr. Gao also said that our activities, especially the powerful performance of Falun Gong's Celestial Band, have left a favorable impression in the minds of local people who felt the wonderfulness of Falun Dafa, and evil nature of the CCP.
Today's rally targeted mainly the CCP's persecution of Chinese people since it seized power, especially its persecution in the past few years of Falun Gong practitioners who cultivate Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and who are peaceful and rational and beneficial to the country and society.
The Celestial Band's powerful performance touches people's hearts
The parade procession of more than 2,000 people marched down the central streets in Chinatown. The scene was spectacular, especially the Celestial Band composed of more than 200 Falun Gong practitioners. The drumbeats and trumpet sounds were so vigorous, powerful and impressive that many people were amazed and dumbfounded. Many more people walked out of their buildings to watch.
Falun Gong practitioners' Celestial Band performed "Falun Dafa is Great," "America the Beautiful," "Drums and Trumpets Shake the World of Ten Directions," and "Fa Rectifies the Universe." Spectators applauded and some gave a thumbs-up. A spectator said, "The band is so spectacular, the music is so beautiful."
Falun Gong practitioner Guan Guimin, who participated in the performance of the Celestial Band, said that from setting up the band to taking part in the performances, it took the Celestial Band over two months. All members of the band are Falun Gong practitioners. They are all amateurs and they only spent their weekends practicing. Generally speaking, establishing such a large band requires six months to one year. He said, "Taking only two months to set up a band, being able to give public performances, and performing so well, it is really a miracle."
Guan Guimin also said that the band has participated in two community parades in New York, and the audience's response was warm and enthusiastic. Overseas, Chinese people have never had such a large band, so they warmly applauded.
Charles Li: CCP is fundamentally evil
Charles Li said that he saw the hope of China by participating in the activities of the day. The CCP's evil rule has caused great damage to Chinese people, and this is the biggest tragedy in history.
Seeing the wide spread of Falun Gong in the past three years overseas, Charles Li said that the information about this is blocked in mainland China. The facts of Falun Gong's wide spread around the world are unknown to many people in China. While being in prison, he had many thoughts. He firmly believed that Falun Gong would become more and more popular, but had not expected it to be so great, so he was still a bit amazed.
Charles Li said that one of the reasons he was able to resist being transformed amid the three-years of persecution in a CCP prison, is that he firmly believes in Falun Gong and Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance after having practiced cultivation for so many years. Another reason is that the support from so many practitioners overseas and people with a sense of justice exerted great pressure on the CCP. He said, "Their deeds conversely gave me feedback: I have been on the righteous side, but the CCP is absolutely evil, so I could not succumb to them."
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