(Minghui.org) On January 26, 2013, a grand parade was held in Melbourne to celebrate Australia Day, the anniversary of the country's founding. Falun Dafa's Divine Land Marching Band participated in the parade to join the celebration. The band's magnificent performance attracted many spectators eager to take pictures.

 
Falun Dafa practitioners participate in the grand parade in Melbourne to celebrate Australia Day

 
Divine Land Marching Band applauded at the end of the parade

It was like a sea of joy, with thousands of people waiving Australian flags in front of City Hall. Participants of different ethnicities and social groups represented their traditional cultures and beliefs in different costumes along Swanston Street.

Falun Dafa's Divine Land Marching Band was one of the most compelling entries. Its powerful drumming demonstrated the strong and unyielding spirit of the Chinese people. The spectators could sense the majesty and stirring quality of their performance. Appearing right behind the Band were the elegant and graceful fan dancers.

Trevor Rabs from Queensland felt lucky to be able to see the Divine Land Marching Band in the parade: “The parade today showed that Melbourne has become a strong society. I am glad to see so many Chinese people proudly participating in the parade. Though Falun Dafa practitioners are suppressed in their own country, it is wonderful to see that they enjoy freedom of belief in Australia. Chinese immigrants should participate in the social affairs here and take advantage of the freedom of speech. It's everyone's responsibility to speak up. If everyone were silent on and indifferent to the unjust things taking place here, the country would not work in an ethical way.”

Weili from China dressed up and joined the parade. After she saw the Divine Land Marching Band's performance, she was very happy: “They were fantastic! I felt warm and proud being able to hear music from home. Falun Gong practitioners bring Chinese culture to the West and make it popular. It's not easy to do. I am very happy as a Chinese.

“Falun Gong practitioners are amazing. They practice their belief and, at the same time, sacrifice a lot for the people in society. They do a lot of things free of charge.” Weili added.

Summer and Ying from Taiwan had Australian flags painted on their faces. They were “glad to see Chinese culture flourishing overseas!”