United States: Philadelphia City Council Members Attend Falun Dafa 11th Anniversary Celebration

Around noon on May 15, 2003, Philadelphia Metro area Dafa practitioners held a celebration party for the 11th Anniversary of Falun Dafa's Introduction to the public in Room 201 of the Philadelphia Government Building. The purpose of the event was also to thank the Mayor and other government officials for their support for Falun Dafa.

Council member Mr. David Cohen attended the celebration: "Today, I'm learning about Falun Dafa for the first time, but I am already ready to congratulate the people who endeavour to obtain freedom and stop persecution." "We still feel the pain of this persecution. If possible, the city council will do everything it can for you."

Council Member David Cohen is giving speech.	Assistant to Deputy Governor Ms. Fleware Kogen speaks
Mayor's Assistant Dr. Nancy Morgan representing the Mayor	VIPs take a photo together

Deputy Governor Executive Assistant Ms. Fleware Kogen expressed respect for Falun Gong practitioners' peaceful appeals during the past four years and denounced the Jiang regime's persecution of people who cultivate Truthfulness Compassion Tolerance. She encouraged everyone to tell the people around them the truth of how Falun Gong is being persecuted. Next, she read the proclamation letter to Falun Dafa.

Mayorial Assistant Dr. Nancy Morgan, representing the Mayor, congratulated the event. Congressman Joseph Hoffman also sent a congratulatory letter.

Professor Shiyu Zhou of Rutgers University talked about Falun Dafa's origins and its spreading around the world after 1992 because of its magnificent health benefits and its principles that teach people to be good. In only 12 years, it has spread to over 50 countries and over 100 million people practise the exercises. Because of Jiang's jealousy and irrational fear of his power being challenged, he launched the brutal persecution against the kind people who cultivate "Truthfulness Compassion Tolerance". Mr. Zhou thanked the Mayor, City Council and all levels of governments for their support over the past three years.

Dr. Yang Jingduan of Jefferson University shared his experiences of moral improvement and told how he quit smoking and drinking alcohol after practising Falun Dafa. His elder sister Yang Jingfang is still in prison because of practising Falun Gong, and he hoped the government would continue to support the rescue effort. He said Dr. Xu Cailu's wife, Ms. Jia Xiaomei, was released recently after all levels of government officials became involved in the rescue effort. This is a very good example.

Famous Musician Chen Rutang Couple and their daughter perform on the stage.	Little practitioner demonstrates exercises.

Falun Gong practitioners and famous musicians Mr. Chen Rutang, his wife and daughter performed "Pudu," and "Celebration" on the stage. Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated the exercises.