(Clearwisdom.net) The Mid-Western U.S. Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference was held on June 15 and 16, 2002 in Chicago, Illinois.

On the morning of June 15, 2002 Falun Dafa practitioners from different regions in North America held group practice at Daley Plaza. Following the practice, they sent forth righteous thoughts and held a press conference.

At 10 A.M., the press conference began. A practitioner read letters from Senator Richard J. Durbin and Congresswoman Janice D. Schakowskyj. Senator Richard Durbin stated in his letter that Falun Gong deserves the support from all of us no matter whether it is in China or in America. After a few years of being persecuted and experiencing extreme brutality, Falun Gong always followed the principles of 'Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance.' "This truly proved your belief." He also wrote in the letter, "the persecution you encountered is not only an issue of China but also an issue of the entire world." Other Illinois and Michigan Representatives also sent their congratulatory letters. At the press conference, practitioners read the recently passed resolution of Illinois condemning the Jiang regime's persecution of Falun Gong. Some practitioners who were denied extensions to their passports by the Chinese Consulate in Chicago and some who were barred from boarding the airplane to Iceland gave speeches at the press conference. In addition, an assistant research scientist from the China Concord Research Hospital talked about how the Jiang regime persecuted his schoolmate, practitioner Lin Chengtao. He called on all kind-hearted people over the world to tell China, "The persecution must be stopped immediately." Some English and Chinese media attended the press conference.

Group practice and press conference at Daley Plaza in Downtown Chicago

Clarifying the truth to Chinese people is one of the most important tasks at hand. The activities also included a parade in Chinatown. The parade was headed by a big lotus flower float made by practitioners. Following the float were about 400 practitioners holding banners and small lotus flowers. The atmosphere created by the parade was serene and pleasant. Practitioners sang the song "Falun Dafa Is Good" and walked slowly through Chinatown. Many passersby stopped to watch the parade. Chinese people are willing to accept our truth-clarifying materials. After the parade, practitioners went to different restaurants to have lunch and continued clarifying the truth.

Parade in Chicago Chinatown
Sending forth righteous thoughts as a group and candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese Consulate in Chicago

To join with other practitioners all over the world, practitioners attending the Fa conference gathered at the Chinese Consulate in Chicago at 3:30 P.M. to send forth righteous thoughts as a group. Practitioners held a candlelight vigil in the evening. At the same time, the photos of those practitioners who were tortured to death were shown through a projector. Videos regarding the real story of Falun Gong were also played. Many passers-by including some people from the Chinese Consulate stopped to watch the programs. Most practitioners stayed until 11:10 P.M. after sending forth righteous thoughts. A few practitioners stayed all night to send forth righteous thoughts.