(Clearwisdom.net May 12, 2003) On the morning of May 10th, Toronto
Falun Dafa practitioners, their friends and family members, totaling about 500
people, gathered in front of Queens Park (Provincial Parliament)in Toronto to welcome the
coming World Falun Dafa Day.
Practitioners held a group practice of the Falun Dafa exercises, and then a press conference. Member of Provincial Parliament Smithman gave a congratulatory speech saying, "In the free land of Canada, Falun Gong practitioners enjoy the freedom to practice their exercises. Falun Dafa brings beauty and harmony to Canadian society and has made contributions to the society..."
Accompanied with the song "Falun Dafa is good", the parade started. The leading group were young practitioners from the Minghui School. A few young practitioners walked in the front holding banners. Following the young practitioners' procession, was a colorful float. On the float, a group of "Heavenly Ladies" dressed in Tang Dynasty Costumes were arranged around a western practitioner sitting in the meditation position.
Behind the float, was a procession of practitioners in a variety of costumes from different nationalities of the world and the red ribbon dance team. It represented the countries that Falun Dafa is practiced in. After the dance procession, Falun Dafa practitioners in yellow exercises suits formed a large procession.
Following the large yellow procession, there were numerous Falun Gong supporters holding little flags with the words "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance." The procession was composed of Falun Gong supporters and new practitioners who had recently learned the exercises. At one point, two young college students spontaneously joined our parade and walked along with us. They said they grew up in Toronto and they were very happy to see so many Chinese in a parade so they came to support us.
The weather was sunny and pleasant during the parade. The air was full of songs and smiles. The people along the streets were moved by the happy parade and waved to the practitioners constantly. It seemed that the little flowers along the side walk were also very happy.
The circle route returned to Queens Park and the parade ended with smiles and waves to the pedestrians watching.
After the parade, the practitioners went to Chinatown to have lunch. Nine restaurants supported the parade. At the time when Chinese people in Toronto have been severely impacted by the SARS epidemic, Toronto Falun Gong practitioners made an effort to rebuild the image of Toronto based on the principle of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance". One restaurant owner said, "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance is good. I will learn Falun Gong in the future." The restaurant workers took photos with practitioners to commemorate this special event
