(Clearwisdom.net) A correspondent of Clearwisdom reports from Atlanta: On July 4, 2004, a grand Independence Day Parade was held in downtown Atlanta. Nearly a hundred groups participated in the parade. When Falun Gong practitioners' lineup was passing by the stage, the host announced, "Falun Dafa, incredibly beautiful!"
Falun Gong practitioners' exercise demonstration looked especially peaceful and serene in the noise of heavy traffic and excitement, drawing the attention of spectators on both sides of the street. A passer-by took his camcorder and recorded the precious scene.
For Western spectators who are accustomed to heavy metal music and modern dancing, Falun Gong practitioners' Fan Dance looked pure, fresh and natural, allowing the modern spectators to enjoy the beauty of traditional Eastern culture.
Falun Gong practitioners' Waist Drum Team looked heroic and valiant, embodying the simplicity and vitality of Chinese culture and civilization.
A Chinese person from the Chinese community in Atlanta watched this scene on TV, then called a practitioner and said excitedly, "Falun Gong is truly remarkable! We are proud of you."
A leader of the Chinese community who has lived in Atlanta for over 30 years said, "Falun Gong is remarkable! As a Chinese, I'm proud of you."
Falun Gong practitioner Ms. Becky Yao from Atlanta, in her 60s, who was in charge of the coordination of this parade said, "As a Chinese person who have lived in the US for over 40 years, I'm very glad that Falun Gong participated in this parade and was warmly received by this multicultural society in the US. Falun Gong practitioners cultivate ‘Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance,' and have remained peaceful and rational in the face of brutal persecution, reflecting the essence of both Eastern and Western culture."
Mr. Hamou from Florida who came to take part in the waist drum team said to a reporter that while celebrating freedom of America, we hope more people can learn about the persecution of Falun Gong in China, and help end the persecution and stop Jiang's group from extending its state-terrorism around the world. The recent shooting incident in South Africa targeting Falun Gong practitioners is an example of the Jiang's group's persecution of Falun Gong practitioners overseas.
The US Congresswoman Denise Majette, who participated in the celebration activity, expressed respect Falun Gong practitioners' peaceful resistance. She said, "We are with Falun Gong. Falun Gong practitioners, please continue keeping your belief and courage."
Congressional candidate Cynthia McKinney condemned the Jiang group extending the persecution of Falun Gong abroad. She said, "We cannot take the side of a dictator, we should make human rights a priority in our diplomatic policy and help [China] obtain more democracy and freedom."
The US Department of Defense designated this parade as an official activity entitled, "Salute to Freedom." Tens of thousands of spectators on the spot and hundreds of thousands of TV viewers watched this grand event.
