(Clearwisdom.net) May 10, 2009 was a clear, sunny day in Philadelphia. At noon, Falun Gong practitioners and people from all walks of life who support Falun Gong in the Greater Philadelphia Area gathered on the lawn in front of the Liberty Bell to celebrate the annual World Falun Dafa Day. They held a series of activities including group practice, sharing cultivation experiences and singing and dancing. They wanted to express their gratitude to Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong. They also exposed the persecution of Falun Gong by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and explained how the CCP's persecution conversely assists the promotion of Falun Gong around the world. The event drew a lot of attention from tourists.

Practitioners in Philadelphia shout in unison, "Master, Happy Birthday" at Independence Square

Practitioner Phil (right) recounted how he has benefited both physically and mentally after practicing Falun Gong

Philadelphia practitioners demonstrate the exercises at Independence Square

Tourists were drawn by practitioners' elegant and peaceful exercise demonstration in front of the Liberty Bell

Waist drum performance

Chinese tourists look at display boards to learn the facts about Falun Gong

Chinese tourists take photos of practitioners' exercise demonstration

Mr. Li Hongzhi's former colleague in his hometown: Extend our best regards to your Master, and best wishes to you for a Happy Holiday!

Many tourists were drawn to the practitioners' exercise demonstration, and took photos. Among the crowd were four tourists from China. They stood there for a long time and were absorbed by everything in front of their eyes. Colorful flags bearing the words "Falun Dafa" fluttering in the wind, banners with golden characters which mean Truth-Compassion-Forbearance, beautiful balloons, peaceful and orderly exercise demonstration, practitioners of different ages and different nationalities doing the exercises together, and the surrounding people's praise. The author noted the changes in their facial expressions, from being surprised, unsure, and then pondering, and gradually, they looked pleased and proud.

When a practitioner walked up to talk to them, one of them said, "You don't need to say anything, we know everything. We are your Master's former colleagues.... We send our best regards to your Master and best wishes to you for a Happy Holiday!"

A practitioner from Beijing: I hope that such a day comes soon in Beijing

A tourist group from China walked by from one end of the lawn to the other in front of the Liberty Bell. While walking, they watched practitioners doing the exercises. They kept turning their heads to watch even as they were far away. A lady in her 30s ran from the group and quickly walked up to a practitioner in a yellow T-shirt. She took the practitioner's hand and said, "I'm a practitioner from Beijing. I'm so glad to see you here. I hope that such a day comes soon in Beijing..."

A French couple: Salute to Falun Gong

A couple from France were moved by practitioners' graceful and elegant exercise demonstration. Upon learning about the persecution of Falun Gong in China, they expressed their admiration for Falun Gong. They said that if a group that is suffering such persecution can demonstrate such peacefulness, generosity and love, they are really admirable. Mr. Bombey said, "We support Falun Gong and China's human rights!"

How can such a peaceful practice be persecuted in China?

The little girl received a paper lotus flower from a practitioner, and said, "How beautiful!"

A little girl received a paper lotus flower from a practitioner and said, "How beautiful, I want to take one for my older sister." The little girl's grandma has heard about the persecution of Falun Gong by the CCP. Upon seeing practitioners doing the exercises at Independence Square, she was surprised and said, "How can such a peaceful practice be persecuted in China? It's horrible! America has freedom, let them all come to America!"

Some tourists said while walking by, "Really peaceful! Look at them doing sitting meditation, I can not do it." This is the Falun Gong that is not allowed to be practiced in China. It has been spread to 114 countries and regions, and only in China is it forbidden and subjected to brutal persecution.

At the end of the activity, all practitioners in Philadelphia sang together "Coming for You," and shouted in unison, "Master, Happy Birthday!"