Lane Cove, a beautiful city north of Sydney , proclaimed “Falun Dafa Day”
on August 21, 2004. Falun Gong practitioners from Sydney performed traditional
Chinese dances and demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises.
  State MP Mr. Anthony Roberts giving a speech at the ceremony |
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  Many residents view the photos |
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  Signature drive |
  Residents want to know more about Falun Dafa |
  Introducing Falun Dafa to the people |
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  Exercise demonstration |
  Tang Dynasty costume performance |
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In
the morning, the practitioners held a group practice at Lane Cove and set up a
photo exhibit in the central square. Many people looked carefully at the photos
and asked questions about the persecution in China.
At noon, State MP Mr. Anthony
Roberts and some local councillors arrived at the ceremony. Mr. Roberts cut
the ribbon for Falun Dafa Day at Lane Cove.
Mr. Anthony Roberts MP made speech
at the ceremony. He said that he is very happy to attend Lane Cove Falun Dafa
Day, and he commended Falun Dafa and mentioned its popularity in more than
60 countries around the world. He said, “You are aware that the practitioners
of Falun Dafa are being persecuted because of the Falun Dafa faith in China. I
want to put on a record today, public record, that being the State Member of Lane
Cove, I’m not going to stand aside any longer to allow individuals to be tortured,
murdered and jailed in the Communist China. So, I’m here today.” He also
said that he hopes locals can know more truth from practitioners and find out
exactly what have been done to these good men and women who are being persecuted
for their belief in China in this very moment.
Mr. Anthony Roberts MP welcomed
Falun Dafa to Lane Cove. He also introduced to locals that Falun Dafa free meditation
classes will begin in Lave Cove very soon.
Western practitioner Jonathan
Solomon was the MC for the day. He thanked the guests on behalf of practitioners.
Young practitioners presented flowers to the guests as well.
After the
opening ceremony, Mr. Anthony Roberts MP looked at the photographs exhibition
thoroughly and accepted an interview from a media. He said, “I am always
a very strong supporter for Falun Dafa. I certainly have high regard for Falun
Dafa practitioners. As I walk around and look at those photographs today, I can
see tremendous work Falun Dafa practitioners are doing for communities all over
the world. What is disturbing I found is also the evidence of torture and persecution
of Falun Dafa practitioners in China. And it is something our nation can no longer
turn our back to ignore. It is time for us to put pressure on those people involved
in order to make sure persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners is ceased immediately.”
In
the afternoon, practitioners performed many performances to celebrate. Practitioners
did a Falun Dafa exercise demonstration, the movement was slow and the music was
gentle, showing the peace and beauty of Falun Dafa. The Tang Dynasty dance received a
warm applause from local residents. Four little girls from MingHui School performed
a dance called Little Stars, which touched the hearts of audience. A group of Western Dafa practitioners performed touching musical pieces for the audience. The songs expressed their sincere hearts.
Practitioners also set up an information desk in the Mall and a petition was provided. Many locals took away flyers, signed the petition and wanted to attend the free meditation classes. One lady had taken many flyers, saying she wanted to send them to her family and friends. Also, she hoped she could do more to help Falun Gong practitioners.
Elsa is a university
student who is currently studying News Media. She recorded practitioners’ performances.
She had very good impression of Falun Dafa and hoped that the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China will stop immediately.
Posting date: 29/Aug/2004
Original
article date: 28/Aug/2004
Category: Events
