(Minghui.org) On July 18, 2026, Falun Gong practitioners in San Diego, California, held an event marking the 27th anniversary of efforts to end the persecution in China, which began on July 20, 1999.

In Balboa Park, a renowned landmark in San Diego, the tranquil scene of Falun Gong practitioners doing the exercises, along with an art exhibition and a candlelight vigil, captivated many visitors, causing them to pause and observe.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation commending the practitioners for steadfastly upholding their faith and advocating for human rights and freedom in the face of adversity. Many members of the public signed a petition in support of the US Senate’s passage of the “Falun Gong Protection Act” and expressed their gratitude to the practitioners for peacefully raising awareness about the atrocities taking place in China.

Falun Gong practitioners in San Diego hold a candlelight vigil on July 18 in Balboa Park to mark the 27th anniversary of resistance against the persecution in China and to honor the memory of practitioners who died as a direct result of the persecution. (Minghui.org)

San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson, through his representative Miles Buhain, presents a proclamation to Falun Gong practitioners.

County Supervisor Presents Commendation Recognizing Falun Gong for Upholding Faith and Human Rights Principles

Joel Anderson, Supervisor of District 2 on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, stated in his proclamation: “Falun Gong practitioners have endured decades of persecution from the Chinese Communist Party, including severe human rights abuses because of their beliefs, responding through peaceful advocacy that promotes religious freedom, human rights, human dignity, and respect for fundamental freedoms.”

Proclamation Issued by Joel Anderson, Supervisor of San Diego County (Minghui.org)

The proclamation states: “Falun Gong is an ancient spiritual discipline with roots in traditional Chinese culture that combines meditation exercises and moral teachings centered on the universal principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

“Falun Gong has flourished around the world, benefiting millions through its meditative practice; practitioners have worked to preserve and share the richness of traditional Chinese culture while promoting values of compassion, integrity, perseverance, and respect for human dignity.

“The Falun Gong Art Exhibit and Vigil serve as a powerful testament to those who uphold their beliefs in the face of adversity, while fostering compassion, awareness, and dialogue within our own communities; 

“Supervisor Joel Anderson is committed to honoring occasions that exemplify the noblest ideals of public service, and the Falun Gong Art Exhibit and Vigil is one such worthy occasion;”

County Supervisor Representative: After Learning the Truth, I Admire Falun Gong Practitioners Even More

Miles Buhain, representative for Supervisor Joel Anderson, views the “Art of Zhen Shan Ren” (Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance) exhibition. (Minghui.org)

Mile Buhain said, after learning more about Falun Gong and the persecution, that he was deeply moved and held Falun Gong practitioners in even higher regard.

“Falun Gong practitioners are very peaceful,” he noted. “They simply want to improve and perfect themselves. They are people of faith. It breaks my heart that they are being persecuted because of their faith.”

Mr. Buhain, who is Catholic, said that he can fully understand Falun Gong practitioners’ commitment to their faith.

He shared that from his conversations with Falun Gong practitioners, he discovered that some had been detained by the Chinese Communist Party yet they remained committed to their practice. “They are still here, still practicing—it’s truly inspiring. I now have the utmost respect for Falun Gong practitioners. I am very glad that they are able to practice freely here.”

Mr. Buhan also viewed the “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition” on display that day. He remarked, “These works are very beautiful and deeply moving, and they tell compelling stories.”

After Learning the Truth, Citizens Sign to Support Bill to Protect Falun Gong

Visitors view the art exhibit and learn about Falun Gong. (Minghui.org)

Visitors viewed the “Art of Zhen Shan Ren” (Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance) exhibition, learned more about Falun Gong, and signed a petition in support of the US Senate bill regarding the protection of Falun Gong practitioners and victims of forced organ harvesting. 

Freelance writer Lorrain Haataia stated that although she was already somewhat familiar with Falun Gong, she was shocked to learn more about the Chinese Communist Party's atrocity of forcibly harvesting organs from Falun Gong practitioners. She signed a petition urging the US Senate to pass S.4009, the “Falun Gong and Victims of Organ Harvesting Protection Act.”

Ms. Haataia said, “Falun Gong practitioners practice the exercises for their health; they deserve a good life, and they have the right to live, but they have been deprived of these rights—it’s truly horrifying.”

Dr. Larry Sweet and his wife Dr. Carla Sweet, also signed the petition supporting the Falun Gong Protection Act. They were pleased that a California senator had already endorsed the legislation and stated that they would urge other senators to support it as well.

Dr. Carla Sweet said that despite reading the newspaper every day, this was the first time they had heard of Falun Gong. She said she thought it was excellent for practitioners to hold such an event, as it helps raise public awareness about an important situation.

“This was a very uplifting event, and the paintings were truly moving; they gave us insight into what is happening in China,” Dr. Sweet said. “It’s truly heartbreaking—to be tortured or even killed simply for believing in Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance. It’s so heartbreaking!”

Dr. Larry Sweet said that Falun Gong practitioners made a strong positive impression on him. “They appear peaceful and seem very content,” he remarked, adding that he hopes to learn more about the practice.