(Clearwisdom.net) On July 4^th 2011, Independence Day in the United States, Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the parade in Redwood City in the Bay Area. According to the organizer, this is the largest parade in northern California, and several hundred groups participated in the two-kilometer-long parade this year.

Falun Gong in the Redwood City Independence Day Parade

Falun Gong in the Redwood City parade

The organizers set up several broadcasting stations along the route. The hosts at each station talked about the exercises and the principles of Falun Gong as the group marched by.

At the first station, the host explained that Falun Gong practitioners don't drink or smoke and that they have internal peace. Then he said, “Thank you! Thank you for joining our parade every year!” Following his introduction, the spectators applauded, cheered, whistled, and waved.

Senior event host R. C. Carr said the spirit of America is tolerance and persistence. “Today, among the hundreds of groups, a particular group has displayed this spirit, that is, Falun Dafa.”

Host Mr. Marshall praised the Falun Gong float. “It is so beautiful! Beautiful costumes, beautiful float. Obviously they spent a lot of time and effort on it,” he said.

Another host, Mr. Mesha Spivey, said he liked the group because of their adherence to Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. He said that every practitioner was very relaxed but also very disciplined. “Their peaceful attitude can improve harmony in the community.” He said he truly liked to see the Falun Gong group.

Mr. Spivey worked in the state legislature and had learned about the persecution of Falun Gong in China. He encouraged people to talk to their government representatives and let them know about the persecution of Falun Gong in China. He believes that when everyone in the world says “No” together, the persecution can't continue.