(Clearwisdom.net) Annual Christmas parades were held in three cities in the Toronto area, Markham, Brantford and Mississauga, on November 28 and 29, 2009. The Toronto Divine Land Marching Band was invited by each of the three cities to take part in their festive celebrations.
Both the organizers and spectators had high praise for the performance by the Divine Land Marching Band. There were 15,000 spectators in Markham, 45,000 in Brantford and 40,000 in Mississauga. All three cities broadcast their parades live on TV, bringing seasons greetings to those who weren't able to be present in person.
Toronto Divine Land Marching Band participates in Christmas Parade in Markham
Toronto Divine Land Marching Band participates in Christmas Parade in Brantford
Toronto Divine Land Marching Band participates in Christmas Parade in Brantford
Toronto Divine Land Marching Band participates in Christmas Parade in Brantford
Toronto Divine Land Marching Band participates in Christmas Parade in Mississauga
Toronto Divine Land Marching Band participates in Christmas Parade in Mississauga
Chinese spectators are proud
Among the spectators watching the parade was Ms. Wang who came to visit relatives several months ago from China's Shandong Province. She enthusiastically applauded the Falun Gong contingent and made a thumbs-up gesture. She said excitedly, "They are really great!" When the reporter interviewed her, she said in tears, "I see they can display their beauty and righteous spirit freely here, I'm pleased and proud of them."
Ms. Wang held the reporter's hand and said, "I have several friends who are Falun Gong practitioners in China. They are really very good people, but the persecution they suffer really makes me depressed. I feel they are unfairly treated, and their kindness moved me. Actually they are true patriots, and should not be persecuted. When I saw the Falun Gong contingent in the parade, I was really emotional. This free country is really good, giving this group of good people an opportunity to display their beauty and righteousness."
Ms. Wang said in the end, "I asked my daughter to take photos of the parade. I will go back to China after the Chinese New Year. I'll take these photos back to China, and tell my acquaintances that Falun Gong is popular outside China, and that only in China are they subjected to persecution."
Mr. Du, from China, brought his wife and child to watch the parade. When the Divine Land Marching Band marched toward them, Mr. Du excitedly said to his child, "Look, Falun Gong's entry is coming." His whole family applauded. Mr. Du said, "We have been in Toronto for several years, we can see the Falun Gong contingent every year. We are really delighted." After the band passed by, Mr. Du's wife, Ms. Wang, looked at the band and said, "Really spectacular, inspiring!"
A couple from Heilongjiang Province smiled and said, "We are thankful and admire them!"
Local people: Fantastic! This is the best!
Teresa brought her daughters to watch the parade and said, "It's the most wonderful parade that I have experienced in my life."
Teresa said, "It's the first time that I've seen this Chinese band, synchronized, cooperative and excellent. It's the most wonderful parade that I have ever experienced in my life. My excitement is beyond description." Her daughter said, "It's also the best parade for me, their music is exhilarating."
Nancy and her daughter are delighted to see the Divine Land Marching Band in the parade
Nancy brought her two daughters to watch the parade and said, "I'm glad to see them in many parades. Yesterday we saw them in the parade in Brantford, really fantastic!"
Adel, of Egyptian descent said, "This band is very special, it makes you feel comfortable. We are grateful to them for bringing us a special feeling for this particular festival."
Spectator Adel says the band makes him feel good
Carol has been living in Mississauga for 53 years. She and her friends watched the performance by the Divine Land Marching Band and held the reporter's hand and said, "Beautiful! Beautiful! It is the best! The best! Thank them for coming here!"
Carol and her friend praise the Divine Land Marching Band, "Beautiful! It's the best!"
Thanks and appreciation from the organizers
Mr. Jim Sandiford, Christmas Parade coordinator in Markham, said, "We have 97 entries this year, and it's the 36th Christmas Parade in this city. The Divine Land Marching Band has been invited to participate in this event for several years. We are thankful for them, and their performance is first class. We are looking forward to seeing them next year."
Mr. Aaron De Mille, parade coordinator in Brantford said, "The Divine Land Marching Band brings wonderful feelings to the audience here, we thank them!"
The parade coordinator in Mississauga said, "The Divine Land Marching Band's performance is very successful and fantastic. We thank them for coming."
