By Liu Di and James, Vision Times
FLUSHING, New York — On April 25, thousands gathered in Flushing, Queens, to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the peaceful appeal in Beijing, China, when large numbers of Falun Gong practitioners assembled near central government offices to request legal recognition and protection of their beliefs on April 25, 1999.
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a meditation practice rooted in the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. Despite being peaceful in nature, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a brutal campaign to eradicate the practice in July 1999. Since then, thousands have since perished at the hands of Chinese police, with many adherents today still undergoing routine monitoring, arbitrary travel bans, and arrests.
The day’s events began with a parade through downtown Flushing, featuring marching bands, banners, and themed contingents promoting the principles of Falun Dafa. Despite being a dreary day, participants called for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China and voiced support for the “Tuidang” movement, which encourages individuals to renounce ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its affiliated organizations.
Following the parade, a rally was held near the Flushing Library, where speakers, performances, and certificate presentations marked the occasion.
Remembering April 25
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Zhang Erping, spokesperson for the Falun Dafa Information Center, reflected on the events of April 25, 1999. “27 years ago, something extraordinary took place,” he said, “In the center of Beijing, thousands of Falun Gong practitioners stood quietly outside a government compound.”
RELATED: Falun Gong Marks 27 Years Since April 25 Appeal With Toronto Rally Against Persecution
Zhang added, “They had no slogans, no banners, and no anger. They came with a simple and dignified request: the right to live according to their beliefs, the right to speak, and the right to follow their conscience. They came peacefully, and they left peacefully.” He noted that within three months, a nationwide campaign targeting practitioners began. “Millions were targeted—not because of violence or crime, but simply because of their faith.”
Zhang added that over the past two decades, reports from human rights organizations and investigators have documented detention, abuse, and deaths in custody. He also pointed to ongoing concerns about transnational repression. “Today, concerns about ‘transnational repression’ are growing,” he said, “Many here are deeply concerned that the Beijing regime is extending pressure, surveillance, and attempts to silence practitioners overseas… including here in the United States.”
He added, “The quiet courage shown on April 25 has not faded. It lives on in those who continue to speak out and uphold their values under pressure… It asks us not to look away.”
Calls for accountability
Wang Zhiyuan, chairman of the Global Tuidang Center, framed the anniversary as a turning point. “Today, we are not just commemorating a date—we are standing at a crossroads in history.”
He described the events of 1999 as a moment when China could have moved toward greater legal and religious tolerance, but instead took a different path. “Three months later, a nationwide suppression began… This was not just the persecution of a group, but a turning point that changed China’s trajectory.” Wang argued that the campaign had broader societal consequences. “When a society treats goodness as an enemy… the cost will ultimately be borne by everyone,” he said.
Wang also referenced ongoing allegations of forced organ harvesting, citing reports and investigations by international groups, and called for greater global awareness and accountability. On the Tuidang movement, Wang said, “As a Chinese person, withdrawing from the CCP represents a moral choice—a decision to separate oneself from its actions.”
Raising awareness
Among the speakers was New York-based actress and producer Pat Patterson, who emphasized the importance of storytelling to raise awareness of social injustices. “For more than two decades, my work has focused on telling stories that matter—stories of courage, of resistance, and of what it means to be human.”
Reflecting on the original April 25 gathering, she said, “They were not protesters with slogans… They were teachers, doctors, grandparents, and students—ordinary people living extraordinary lives guided by faith and discipline.” She added, “They came with a simple and profound request: The freedom to believe, to practice, and to live according to conscience. That is why I am here today. Because this is one of those stories.”
She also recalled that moment as “one of the most powerful acts of peaceful courage in modern history. It should have been celebrated. It should have been protected. Instead, just three months later, the Chinese Communist Party launched a brutal and systematic campaign… one that continues to this day.” She added, “This is a story that must be told, and told again, until the world listens. I stand with you. We will not remain silent.”
The event drew a full crowd, with performances by marching bands and cultural groups throughout the day. Community leader Martha Flores-Vazquez welcomed participants and thanked local law enforcement for maintaining order during the day’s events.
Many attendees expressed support for the practitioners’ message, noting the importance of religious freedom and human rights. As the anniversary continues to be marked around the world, participants in Flushing said the event serves not only as a remembrance of the past, but also as a call to ongoing awareness and accountability.
