New York: Falun Dafa Practitioners Participate in National Night Out

(Minghui.org) The 14^th National Night Out was held in Riverside Park in Port Jervis on the night of August 2, 2022. The event enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Kelly Decker, mayor of Port Jervis said that the city welcomes Falun Dafa with open arms. The city police chief said that he was proud of Falun Dafa and practitioners.

Practitioners participate in the 14^th National Night Out event in Port Jervis on August 2, 2022.

Introducing Falun Dafa to the local community

Hundreds of families, community organizations, school students, firefighters and police officers marched from City Hall through the downtown area to Riverside Park before the event. Practitioners participated in the parade with a banner team, an exercise demonstration team and gave waist drum performances. 

Snacks, crafts, and games were available for the public to enjoy at Riverside Park. Practitioners had a booth to introduce Falun Dafa. They displayed the Falun Dafa books, distributed information and lotus flowers and collected signatures on a petition to end the persecution. They also taught people how to make the beautiful little lotus flowers. Practitioners stood at the entrance to the park and presented small lotus flowers to each family. They told them about Falun Dafa and thanked the local community for their understanding and support.

William Worden, Police Chief of Port Jervis, said that the partnership between police and the community can solve problems together and the event was a place for people to get to know each other. He recalled that Falun Dafa practitioners had been participating in the event for several years. They performed a dragon dance one year. “We are really proud of their inclusion in the community. We are honored to have the support of Falun Dafa tonight to advocate for public safety,” he said.

Mayor Kelly Decker said the city is inclusive of anyone who was willing to move here, including practitioners. “We welcome them, no matter where they come from, even if some people seek refugee asylum status. This is America. We welcome them with open arms,” he said.

Practitioners performed waist drums and demonstrated the exercises after the opening speeches. In the front row, young practitioners demonstrated the meditation exercise, and their parents demonstrated the first to fourth sets of exercises in the back. A boy joined the young practitioners after obtaining consent from his mother.

A boy (first on left) joined little practitioners as they meditated.

Background: What Is Falun Dafa? 

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people who have embraced the teachings, which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and have learned the five exercises, have experienced improved health and well-being.