(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners in California participated in several Independence Day Parades on July 4th, 2016, including the parade in Huntington Beach, the largest Independence Day parade on the West Coast. The Falun Gong procession gave an outstanding performance with a well-decorated float, a stirring waist drum performance and practitioners dressed as beautiful celestial maidens.
Practitioners also participated in 4th of July parades in San Gabriel and Hacienda Heights, bringing beauty and multiculturalism to these celebrations.
Falun Gong practitioners participate in the Huntington Beach Independence Day Parade
Falun Gong in the Independence Day Parade in Hacienda Heights
Falun Gong practitioners in the Independence Day Parade in San Gabriel
Over 60% of the residents of San Gabriel are Chinese Americans. Mayor Chin Ho Liao invited Falun Gong practitioners to participate in the parade for the first time. The Falun Gong procession, with over 100 participants, was the largest group in the parade. Their colorful costumes, large banners, and waist drum performance presented the beauty of Chinese culture and traditional cultivation practice.
Mayor Liao commended the Falun Gong practitioners for bringing traditional Chinese characteristics to the parade and raising awareness of the town's cultural diversity. He said he would like to invite Falun Gong back next year.
Mr. Peng Jinyuan, a Chinese spectator, said that the Falun Gong group looked gorgeous and presented such a rich culture. He said, “We hope China will be freed from the Chinese Communists Party (CCP) as soon as possible, and the country will be returned to the people. Falun Gong is a belief that purifies one's spirit. It's good. But the CCP's persecution of religions is terrible. As a Chinese, I strongly condemn such persecution.”
Mr. Charlie West, a resident of San Gabriel, said he enjoyed everything about the Falun Gong procession. He was very happy that they could be here and be part of the community.
City Council Member Mr. Jason Pu said that the parade showed American spirit, peace and multiculturalism – all the reasons for celebrating Independence Day.
Senator Ed Hernandez commented that the United States was a country of immigrants, and stressed that all cultures are welcome.
Ken, a resident of Huntington Beach, had heard about the persecution of Falun Gong in China. He said, “One would be afraid of being found out if he has done something bad. The Chinese government is afraid of being criticized because it has done terrible things. So they have to cover up [their crimes] with lies.”
Mr. Tong from Tianjin, China, took many pictures of the Falun Gong procession. It was the first time he had seen an Independence Day Parade and he was surprised to see Falun Gong. He commented, “It would be impossible in China!”
May from Zhuangzhou, China, said that the American people love their country and participated in the parade with genuine enthusiasm. She felt it was very different from the celebrations organized by the CCP. She said, “There is freedom here. Falun Gong can have its voice and be respected. It would be absolutely impossible in China.”
