(Minghui.org) “As the hustle and bustle disperse and the sun sets, as Heaven and Earth melt into the universe, Falun Gong practitioners and kind people from around the world gather here at the Washington Monument, a beacon of freedom and hope. We sit next to each other, with candles in our hands, to commemorate those who have been killed for persevering in their belief, staying true to their conscience, safeguarding the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and informing people about the lies of the Chinese communist propaganda and the truth of the persecution. We call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong!”
Several thousand Falun Gong practitioners attended a candlelight vigil on the evening of June 22. The peaceful and compassionate energy field moved those who were present.
About 3,000 Falun Gong practitioners gathered at the Washington Monument on June 22 to commemorate those killed in the persecution in China.
College Students: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Are Core Values
Hunter Bergman and Zaine Gallagher are students from Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska. Mr. Gallagher said that it was remarkable to see so many people gathered together based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. “Without such core values,” he commented, “the world will turn to chaos. They should be supported. No one should be persecuted anywhere in the world just because they speak their minds and do good things.”
Hunter Bergman (left) and Zaine Gallagher
He said that he could sense the energy: “People are gathered here because of common beliefs. I can feel this strongly.” He told the reporter that persecuting Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance was crazy.
“Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are core values. They are very important. It's very encouraging to see that Falun Dafa has spread widely,” said Mr. Bergman. The students planned to share what they learned about Falun Dafa through social media.
Activist: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Will Change the World
Danny and Eva Jackson were visiting from San Diego, California. Danny said that they were on their way to the Vietnam War Memorial and saw the candlelight vigil. They stopped and chatted with practitioners for about an hour.
Danny is a retired activist and senior executive. He said that seeing the vigil prompted him to think about how, as an American, he could help resolve many ongoing issues. He thanked Falun Gong practitioners for hosting the event in Washington, DC: “Seeing so many people here commemorating the deceased, it's encouraging.”
He made a video clip of the vigil and said, “Human rights is not just an issue for America. It's a global issue. Americans should join the effort to protect people around the world, not just those in America.
“I believe that love will eventually win over hatred. I believe in exercising the right to love, to remember the people we love. This is a very strong union. Many raindrops flow into a river. Although not everyone can join the event in person, I believe there are millions of people who wished that they could attend. I believe in kindness. People should love and be sympathetic. Unfortunately, too many people have turned to the dark side, hatred, greed, and so on. It is bad.”
Mr. Jackson explained that he didn't leave for his original destination because he wanted to participate in the vigil in his own way. He said that Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance would change the world.
“Things will turn around as long as we keep it up. I have seen so many people so passionate about what they are doing. And with kindness. This is love,” said Mrs. Jackson. She said that they had learned a lot from the vigil and would share the information with their community.
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