[Minghui Net]

April 5th is the traditional Chinese Memorial Day for dead people. It is the date that people mourn their families, or heroes who have passed away. On this unusual day, over 120 Falun Dafa practitioners in Toronto gathered in front of the Toronto Chinese Consulate, and expressed sorrowful grief over the 181 Falun Dafa practitioners who have lost their lives, in steadfast and determined belief in "Zhen-Shan-Ren" (Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance). Wearing white clothing, Toronto practitioners quietly practiced the meditation exercise, accompanied by the Falun Dafa music of Pudu and Jishi. This peaceful expression was a precious and meaningful way for practitioners to mourn, as well as validate Falun Dafa practitioners in China who have lost their lives in upholding the truth. Several boards displayed the names and pictures of the 181 Falun Dafa practitioners who have been brutally persecuted to death by Jiang Zemin's government. Kind-hearted people were presented with a striking exposition of what terrible crimes have taken place in China. As well, they were compassionately reminded that these tragedies are still taking place in China. The whole scene was very touching. Reporters from six English media channels, as well as the Chinese media, were in attendance at this memorial event, and several reporters followed the entire procedure of the event.

The memorial speech ended with these words: "Today we sorrowfully grieve the Falun Dafa practitioners in China who have devoted their lives for truth. Your mind, and realm of great compassion and tolerance, enabled you to give up everything in order to uphold the truth, and you have realized your most sacred oath. You are awakening the hearts of all kind people through the endurance of such great physical and mental pain, and ultimately the giving of your lives."

We appeal to all people with a sense of justice to stand up and stop the Chinese government's brutal persecution of Falun Gong! We strongly request the Chinese government immediately and unconditionally, release all Falun Gong practitioners and other prisoners of conscience, and restore innocence to Falun Dafa!

Falun Dafa practitioners in Toronto

Reported on April 6, 2001