(Minghui.org) On July 4, 2012, Falun Gong practitioners in the San Francisco Bay Area participated in Independence Day parades in Redwood City and Larkspur under invitation. Their performances won high praise from parade organizers and spectators.

旧金山法轮功学员在红木城独立日游行中的游行队伍 
Falun Gong practitioners at Independence Day Parade in Redwood City, California.

 

The 73rd Independence Day Parade in Redwood City had 80 participating groups. It is the largest parade with the longest history in Northern California. The Falun Gong procession was led by an elegantly decorated float and followed by dance troupe, flag team and exercise demonstration team.

The host on stage gave the following introduction when the Falun Gong group passed by: “Falun Gong is a cultivation practice of mind, body and spirit. It is easy to learn and free of charge. It is suitable for people of all ages, improves health, reduces stress and increases energy.”

Scott, one of the parade organizers, said Falun Gong practitioners were persecuted and imprisoned in China, but they could enjoy the freedom of speech and belief in the U.S. Scott praised the Falun Gong group's entry, saying, “The Falun Gong procession always looks gorgeous. I'm glad they participated in the parade! They are great!”

Mr. and Mrs. Watmouth from Redwood City gave Falun Gong practitioners warm applause. Mr. Watmouth said, “I like the Falun Gong procession. It's beautiful! Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance are great! What they did today is wonderful! I thank them for coming and sharing this message.”

Karen and her husband took their children to the parade. She said, “I like Falun Gong. They are beautiful and peaceful! I'm from the east coast. I know about Falun Gong and its principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance. I know it is persecuted in China. I'm happy to see Falun Gong here and I applaud them. I support their efforts to stop the persecution!”

美西天国乐团应邀参加拉克斯波市(Larkspur)独立日庆祝游行,受到当地民众的高度赞誉。 
The Divine Land Marching Band is well received at Independence Day Parade in Larkspur, California.

The West US Divine Land Marching Band, composed of Falun Gong practitioners in the San Francisco Bay Area, was invited to participate in the Independence Day Parade in the beautiful city of Larkspur. It was the second year the band participated in this parade. The band's performance last year was so impressive that many spectators still remember it as an outstanding marching band.

裘德(Jude)(右)表示,天国乐团的演奏令人振奋,是他看过的最令人印象深刻的军乐团。 
Jude (right) said the music of Divine Land Marching Band was exciting. It was the most impressive band he had ever seen.

专业摄影师戈尔兹伯勒(Goldsborough)与他的朋友们 
Professional Photographer Mr. Goldsborough and his friends.

Professional photographer Mr. Goldsborough said it was the second time he had seen the Divine Land Marching Band. “Their spirit and music stand out.” Mr. Goldborough had heard about Falun Gong and the persecution of Falun Gong by the communist party. He thought the persecution didn't make any sense and should stop immediately.