WASHINGTON—At sundown on July 15 thousands gathered at the Washington Monument for a candlelight vigil, a solemn reminder of those that have died due to the persecution of Falun Gong in China since July 20, 1999. For twelve years practitioners have gathered to commemorate the thousands that have lost their lives because of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong in China.
People from around the globe held candles and meditated. They sat in a pattern that formed Chinese characters spelling “Falun Dafa is good.”
Gentle music emanated from loud speakers. Periodically two announcers took turns explaining the event to passersby in Chinese and in English. “The persecution will end, we will stop it and one day soon the world will awaken,” said Jared Pearman, the English announcer. The two read the names of people who had been persecuted to death in China.
Spectators paused near the group and took pictures.
Erin Eisley, a small business owner from Chicago said, ” I think the twelve years of persecution is a crime against humanity.” She said she attended the vigil to remember those that lost their lives for their beliefs. She also stated that she feels it is the responsibility of all Falun Gong practitioners to call for a stop to this persecution. Having been in America for 19 years, she said she was reluctant to talk about herself. She said that her story is nothing compared to the stories of practitioners in China who survive, or do not survive the persecution.
Wattana Bouthong, a postal worker from Northern Virginia said: “Every year practitioners are trying their best to get their message across, seeking justice, letting people know and be aware of the persecution, to motivate people in participating and taking action after witnessing. The visual impact was really great this year, it is getting better and better. The message ‘Falun Dafa is Good’ has more of a broader message for people.”
We want to let more people know about the persecution of Falun Gong in China,” said Wendy Hui Li Yang, a Falun Gong practitioner who has been in America for three years. Yang, originally from Hubei Province, brought her 9-year-old son Tianle to the candlelight vigil.
“I was put into jail four times because I clarified the truth.” said Yang. By clarifying the truth, she meant speaking factually about Falun Gong. In China, Falun Gong websites are blocked, and literature or video or even music related to the practice is banned. People have been arrested and sent to labor camps for having a book about Falun Gong, and for discussing the practice with others. “The Chinese Communist Party are afraid of people knowing the truth,” said Yang.
However, the situation has changed in China, she said. Although it is still very dangerous to clarify the truth, more and more people who learn the truth about Falun Gong are helping and protecting practitioners. Even police officers are helping to protect practitioners because they know that Falun Dafa practitioners are good people, she said.
Falun Gong was first introduced by Mr. Li Hongzhi in China in May 1992 and quickly spread by word of mouth throughout and beyond China. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline for mind and body. The practice incorporates slow, gentle movements and meditation. The principles of Falun Gong are based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, according to the Falun Dafa Information Center (FDIC).
With reporting by Ronny Dory
