(Minghui.org) The Tian Guo Marching Band performed at the 26^th Annual Union Street Spring Celebration and Easter Parade held in San Francisco on April 16, 2017.

The parade covered five blocks of a popular shopping and tourist area. Spectators watched with enthusiasm despite the drizzling rain.

The Tian Guo Marching Band

Eleanor Capenter

The Union Street Association, one of the most active merchant groups in San Francisco, hosted the event. Eleanor Carpenter, longtime president of the organization, praised practitioners' performance.

“You are the best group in the event today,” she said to the group. “Without you, we wouldn't have activities like this.”

She said the performance of Tian Guo Marching Band was superb and sincerely wished the practitioners well.

Scott Wiener, California State Senator.

California State Senator Scott Wiener thanked practitioners and said, “We are glad to have a marching band like this. It brings happiness to everyone.”

A local resident, Stephanie agreed, “The music is beautiful! It has positive energy.” She said she is sad that Falun Dafa is suppressed in China because “everyone should have the right to choose their belief.”

Abraham Thompson, conductor of Tian Guo Marching Band, said he and other practitioners were excited to be at the event, “As a member of the community, this is a great way for us to contribute to society.”

Spectators stand in the rain, applauding the performance of the Tian Guo Marching Band.