(Minghui.org) “The Falun Gong entry is the best!” said Keith Begley, parade director of the annual Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade.
It was the seventh year in a row that Falun Gong practitioners have taken part in this event. The inspiring music of the Divine Land Marching Band and energetic dances by the Waist Drum Team received a very warm welcome. The parade on April 20, 2014, drew nearly 50,000 spectators, according to Mr. Begley.
The event organizers have been inviting Falun Gong's Divine Land Marching Band and Waist Drum Team every year since 2008. The band was impressive with its beautiful music and excellent performance, and people were energized by the waist drummers.
Toronto Divine Land Marching Band in the Easter Parade for the seventh year
Toronto Waist Drum Team in the 48
th
annual Toronto Easter Parade
Spectators enjoying the Falun Gong entry
Keith Begley, parade director, said, "Falun Gong is the best!"
“They Are the Herald of Spring”
Wylie and his Chinese friend Mr. Chen have their photo taken with a member of the Divine Land Marching Band
Mr. Chen, a friend of local resident Wylie, had just arrived in Toronto from China the day before. He told the reporter that he was so glad that he had come just in time for the parade, because he could not see an event like that in China. “I'm indeed proud of being Chinese when I see such a large-scale Chinese group participating in a parade outside of China,” he added.
Wylie said he loves China, Chinese culture, and its people. He was impressed by the demeanor of the band members, their bright costumes, and their inspiring and uplifting music. “They are the herald of spring,” he enthused.
Wylie wanted to learn more about Falun Gong after being told that such a peaceful group of people is not free [to practice their belief] in China. He took a flyer from a Falun Gong practitioner and noted that Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance were the guiding principles of the practice. He said, “I feel they have come at the right time. They bring people the hope of spring. I wish them all the best.”
“I Want to Make a Documentary about Falun Gong”
Stephen Low (left), documentary film director, wants to make a documentary about Falun Gong
Stephen Low, a documentary filmmaker from Toronto, and Girstan, his colleague from Montreal, were shooting a documentary about TTC's (Toronto Transit Commission) new street car when they saw the Divine Land Marching Band rehearsing next to the street car. They videotaped the band's performance.
From the flyer Mr. Low received from a band member, he learned that they were Falun Gong practitioners. He said that he had heard about Falun Gong before and would put what he had videotaped about the band into his documentary. He said he hoped to cooperate with the group to make more documentaries about Falun Gong.
“They Bring Hope to the World”
Anna moved to Queen Street not long ago and was very excited that the parade started right near her residence. The Divine Land Marching Band rehearsed for a long time nearby, which she thought was such a joy. She said the band "was as sunny as the weather - they bring hope to the world."
She had a photo taken of herself in front of the banner reading “Falun Dafa.”
Anna, a Toronto resident, said that the Divine Land Marching Band brings hope to the world.
Mr. Lim from Hong Kong said, “I'm aware that Falun Gong is being persecuted in China. I admire and am proud of their perseverance and courage.”
Ms. Lim from Taiwan, who came to Toronto three months ago, and her friends like the Divine Land Marching Band.
Hameed, who lives in Toronto, said, “The Divine Land Marching Band is the best.”
