United States:: Candlelight Vigil Held in Midtown Manhattan in New York to Call for Justice, Conscience and Courage

On the evening of the 29th of August, 2004, Falun Gong practitioners from across the world held candlelight vigils simultaneously in two locations in midtown Manhattan. One was outside the Waldorf Hotel on busy Park Avenue, the other at the intersection of 8th Avenue and 30th Street, close to the location of the Republican National Convention at 7th Avenue and 34th Street.

Altogether, nearly 1000 Falun Gong practitioners participated in the candlelight vigils. Thousands of dots of candlelight twinkled in the darkness of the night. The atmosphere was solemn but warm. Most practitioners wore yellow T-shirts and stood in orderly fashion, some practicing the Falun Gong exercises, some sending righteous thoughts. They looked peaceful and resolute.

The brutal persecution of Falun Gong over the past five years has not managed to eradicate Falun Gong as former President of China Jiang Zemin hoped. On the contrary, practitioners have grown more mature, rational, compassionate and wise over the passing time. A huge projection screen located at the intersection of 8th avenue and 30th street was playing the "Real Story of Falun Gong" and through a loudspeaker, a narrator was recounting stories and the greatness of Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong, the amazing effect of Falun Gong in healing and fitness, the causes of and the brutality used in the persecution, and the compassion and courage that Dafa practitioners have displayed in face of it all. The narrator's voice touched people's hearts. Many passersby stopped to watch and ask for materials. To all people including police officers who passed by, all of these must have been very moving and unforgettable.

In the daytime, Falun Gong practitioners can be seen peacefully practicing the exercises, distributing leaflets or explaining facts about Falun Gong to passersby on streets and avenues in Manhattan. In the evening, dots upon dots of candlelight conveyed to people a clear message: This persecution of the belief of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance is a persecution of the entire humankind and it must be stopped. Everyone has the responsibility to stand up to help stop this inhuman persecution.

The twinkling candlelight called for justice, conscience and courage. A great number of people expressed their indignation and condemned the persecution. Some representatives of the Republican National Convention also watched the anti-torture exhibits. They expressed their support and appreciation to us. The people of Manhattan are awakening to the truth about Falun Gong.