(Clearwisdom.net) On April 29, 2006, Falun Gong practitioners participated in the Asian/Pacific Cultural Festival for the fifth time in Hermann Park. The festival was hosted by the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA).

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A practitioner distributes truth-clarification handouts

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Practitioner at left teaches the Falun Gong exercises

From 1:00-6:00 p.m., several dozen organizations and businesses participated in the celebration. Booths were set up on the lawn near Miller Theater. Falun Gong practitioners prepared many truth clarifying materials, especially those exposing the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners imprisoned in labor camps and concentration camps in China.

"What is Falun Gong? Why is it persecuted?"

Practitioners distributed handouts as visitors passed by the booth. People were eager to know about Falun Gong. When they saw the words, "concentration camp," they wondered where such camps were located. Practitioners explained to them that the persecution was occurring in China. One visitor said, after learning the facts, "I am a Christian. I know about China and I know that Christians are persecuted there."

Media Attention

The practitioners' booth was eye-catching. A reporter came with a video camera and interviewed a practitioner, asking, "What is Falun Gong?" The practitioner introduced Falun Gong and explained the facts of the persecution in China, where more than two thousand practitioners have been tortured to death. After the interview, the reporter took some footage of practitioners doing the exercise demonstration. He left with some truth-clarification materials.

"I'd Like to Learn Now"

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Practitioner at left teaches the Falun Gong exercises

A middle-aged woman came with her teenaged son stopped by the booth. After hearing a practitioner's introduction, she said, "I am looking for a meditation practice. I would also like to have my son learn. I am interested in Falun Gong. Where can I learn?" When she heard that there was free instruction at a downtown park the next day, she said with delight, "See you tomorrow." Some visitors were eager to learn the exercises on the spot. Another middle-aged woman said, "I practiced other meditations. Today, I'd like to learn Falun Gong." She attentively learned the exercises on the spot.

"I Know About Falun Gong"

Some visitors already knew about Falun Gong and said, when seeing practitioners distributing handouts, "I know about Falun Gong. I took flyers at the supermarket."