(Minghui.org) “Every year I wait for your arrival!” said Elisabeth Dubé about the Divine Land Marching Band in the parade on Saint Jean Baptiste Day in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada on June 24, 2014. “This is the best band among all the participants, and their costumes are the most beautiful. Their performance is wonderful.” added her husband.
Divine Land Marching Band in the Saint Jean Baptiste Day in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada
Elisabeth Dubé and her husband wait for the arrival of the Divine Land Marching Band every year
Saint Jean Baptiste Day is also known as Quebec's Provincial Day, a public holiday in Quebec. The parade in this small town has been going on for more than one hundred years and is very popular, with many organizations participating.
The Divine Land Marching Band has been invited to participate in this parade for four consecutive years. It is the only band composed of Chinese performers. Their music, costumes and team spirit impressed the spectators.
Falun Gong practitioners distribute flyers along with the Divine Land Marching Band in the parade
A couple from Shawinigan are members of another band, les Diplomates du Québec. They have met some of the Divine Land Marching Band members before and like the band very much.
Audience Welcome a Chinese Band
Some audience members expressed their appreciation. Christian Vinet said, “It's a sign that the Chinese community blends well into Quebec. This is a wonderful performance and we appreciate their participation.” Sylvie Deschambault had similar thinking, “I like the merging of other cultures into our local community.”
“Seeing such a Chinese band, I am very impressed. It's great that they come to Valleyfield, and I thank them. Their costumes are beautiful. The music is melodious.” said Gaétan Bergevin, who normally doesn't come to the parade.
Former Chairman of the Parade Organization, “I Am Pleased to See Them”
Jocelyn Leduc was chairman of the parade organization in Valleyfield for 14 years, and said “I am very pleased to see the Divine Land Marching Band and to see a band with so many members. I like their costumes which are very traditional.” His wife Diane Leduc added, “It is a wonderful band. We are pleased to have them here.”
Chinese Lady, “Falun Gong Practitioners Are Very Kind People”
Among the spectators, a Chinese family also appreciated the participation of the Divine Land Marching Band. “Their performance was spectacular. I know they are well organized and work hard, and they were also at the parade in Montreal. Falun Gong practitioners are very kind people. I know some practitioners, and they introduced me to Falun Gong,” said the lady.
“We See You Often on TV”
A couple from Shawinigan, a small town that is two and half hours away, are members of another band, les Diplomates du Québec. They talked to a member of the Divine Land Marching Band that they had met before. “We see you often on TV, and saw you in the Toronto parade. You also participated in the Western du Québec Parade, which half a million people participate in every year. Your colors are beautiful. Good luck with your parade,” said Guy Clavet.
