(Minghui.org) June 24, 2025 is a provincial holiday in Quebec. Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield parade, which was first held more than 100 years ago. Many spectators said practitioners bring a message of tranquility, peace and hope.

La Fête Nationale du Québec is one of Quebec’s most important annual events. People throughout the province celebrate by displaying the blue flag iris, Quebec’s floral emblem, and express their passion for French culture. The parade in Valleyfield, a waterfront city in Southwest Quebec, began in 1896 and is a major annual celebration enjoyed by the local residents.

Tens of thousands of spectators gathered along the 4-kilometer (approximately 1.8 miles) route, and gave practitioners a warm welcome. Falun Dafa practitioners have been invited to take part in the event for more than 10 years and local residents say they are an indispensable part of the parade. Organizing committee member Michel Bougie said that people ask the committee to make sure to invite the Tian Guo Marching Band each year.

“We are delighted to see the arrival of the Tian Guo Marching Band. People in Valleyfield and other regions absolutely love this band,” said Michel Bougie. The band’s uplifting music, beautiful costumes and particularly, the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, are the reasons for the group’s popularity. He added that the values promoted by the local parade—family, tolerance, joy and peace—are compatible with Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance. “People need these traditional values,” Michel said.

Falun Dafapractitioners participate in the Fête Nationale du Québec.

Practitioners demonstrate the exercises during the parade.

Banners with messages in French “Celebrating the 33th anniversary of the spread of Falun Dafa in the world,” “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance brings hope to people.”

The Tian Guo Marching Band has been invited to participate in the parade for over a decade.

People clap and cheer as practitioners march past.

Spectators take fliers handed out by practitioners along the parade route.Spectators along the parade route join practitioners in doing the exercises.

These young men loved the practitioners’ appearance in the parade.

I Must Teach My Children the Values of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance

Mylène and her daughters love Falun Dafa’s values.

Mylène told her daughters, “Look! Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance,” when she saw the words on the banners. She said, “I’m touched. Just seeing the words ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance’ brings hope. I thought, Wow! This is great, I must pass these values to my children. I can use these principles in my daily life and explain their meaning to the children. I want them to develop these values and benefit from them.”

Another person who has seen the parade for many years said, “I am delighted to see this group again. Their rigor, professionalism, powerful presence, I think they bring hope—Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, these are values everyone can easily understand and should share.”

People Feel Energy, Peace and Light

Nathalie said she felt energy coming from the practitioners’ presence in the parade.

Nathalie was drawn by practitioners’ presence in the parade. She said she felt their energy. “The whole group was very bright, their yellow costumes are vivid,” she noted. “There was a special energy coming from their movements.”

Diane, a local resident, said she’s watched the parade for many years. “I pay attention to this group every year. They put in quite a bit of effort in training for this. The spiritual aspect they brought, and the meditation, whether it is the movements, music or rhythm, everything is so perfect.”

Robert, who came to see the parade with his wife and friends, said, “They are imparting a beautiful message—about peace and health. This is excellent and refreshing. We felt relaxed and serene.”

People Look Forward to Seeing Tian Guo Marching Band in the Parade

Kevin and his family were impressed by Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance.

Kevin and his family said they look forward to seeing the Tian Guo Marching Band in the parade. “We knew they would be in the parade,” he said. “We have been waiting for them. The music is very inspiring. The children love it and it is the same for us [parents]. The weather is so hot, yet they are smiling and full of energy—their smiles have an impact on us. They are able to show such spirit in this scorching weather. To me, this is a manifestation of ‘tolerance.’”

Another resident named Kevin said the Tian Guo Marching Band is his favorite in the parade. He previously received a flier about Falun Dafa in Montreal’s Chinatown and knew about the persecution in China. “I know that many people have been tortured to death. I am moved by the story of Falun Dafa. This is the best band, and I hope to see them every year.”

Yves and his wife Sylvie were delighted to see the Tian Guo Marching Band participate in the parade again this year.

Yves, who watched the parade with his wife, Sylvie, said, “The weather is so hot, yet we saw them in the parade. I am delighted. I think they are one of the best bands we have ever seen. Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance is a kind of instruction for everyone present. That’s why I love this band—they bring joy and inner peace.”

His wife Sylvie added, “I respect them deep in my heart. I am very grateful that they come here every year.”