(Clearwisdom.net) On November 13, 2010, when the parade of Falun Gong practitioners appeared in central Rome, there were not only onlookers who were residents of Rome, but also tourists from different parts of the world. Some of them were seeing Falun Gong practitioners for the first time. Upon learning what Falun Gong is, and finding out about the persecution that is happening in China, they one by one expressed their support for Falun Gong practitioners.
Antonio came from Pesaro in northern Italy with his wife. They watched and listened to the instrumental performance by the Divine Land Marching Band, the exercise demonstration accompanied by beautiful music, and the celestial maiden team dancing gracefully to the song, "Falun Dafa Is Good." Antonio was full of praise: "It is a very relaxing exercise method, making people peaceful at heart, it is very beautiful. I was just saying to my wife what a beautiful marching team it was."
However, Antonio also saw the banners in the march with photos depicting the persecution that Falun Gong practitioners are enduring, as well as photos of Falun Gong practitioners near death from torture. This made him feel at a loss. He asked the Falun Gong practitioners who were handing out flyers for more information. Upon learning that Falun Gong practitioners are being persecuted brutally by the CCP just for practicing five peaceful exercises, for believing in Truth-Compassion-Forbearance, and for trying to be good people, he expressed his support: "This is all new to me, I have never heard of Falun Gong before. These people are being persecuted for this (for practicing Falun Gong), and we must take action (to stop the persecution), because no one should meet with persecution. The march is very good, and it deserves acclaim. Seeing these photos (of Falun Gong practitioners being tortured), I cannot bear to look at them, it is just unimaginable."
As a long-time volunteer for the Italian Red Cross, Antonio has always shown a lot of concern for similar situations. He said he wanted to learn more about this, and that he would tell people about the persecution that he has come to understand is happening in China.
In the end he also asked where he could find the contact information for learning and practicing Falun Gong outside Rome, and said he wanted to search for more information concerning Falun Gong.
A couple by the surname of Star from America also saw Falun Gong practitioners for the first time, and they felt very happy to see the parade team: "We are very happy to see what you have done, and support freedom in China, to dissolve Communism. The persecution (of Falun Gong practitioners) is very frightening, you need to have freedom. Everybody should have their own thoughts, and should be able to have the freedom to do what they can to help."
They were very willing to tell more people about Falun Gong, and also about the persecution that Falun Gong practitioners are living through in China: "This is a good opportunity to help Chinese people to dissolve Communism." The Star couple has been to China before, and they have seen the beautiful scenery of China. Mr. Star believes: "The problem has always been with the government. We wish Falun Gong practitioners success."
When Mrs. Star saw that there were people from many different countries in the parade team, she felt that this was very good: "I saw that there weren't just Chinese people in the parade, and not only Asian people, but that there were supporters from different countries. To have such support is really great."
Avner from Israel had learned about activities around the world to demand an end to the persecution of Falun Gong from the media and the internet. He had also seen the protest activities of Falun Gong practitioners in front of the Chinese embassy in Israel. He believes that striving for human rights requires a lot of bravery, and he was moved emotionally by the colourful and brightly coloured parade team, and wished Falun Gong practitioners good luck.
Another couple from America not only asked about what Falun Gong was, and why the CCP is persecuting Falun Gong, but also accepted with pleasure some Chinese truth clarification materials, to help their Chinese friend to understand the true situation of Falun Gong. A tourist from Norway felt that the procession made people exclaim with admiration, that it was great. A woman from France took photos of Falun Gong practitioners together and wanted to share them with her friends. Another tourist not only enquired about what Falun Gong is, but also about where she could learn and study the practice.
Category: Parades & Other Community Events
