California: Falun Dafa Practitioners Join 4th of July Freedom Fest Parade

(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in the San Francisco Bay Area participated in the Morgan Hill Freedom Fest Parade on July 4. This was the first time practitioners have joined the parade, and their procession was well received by the event organizers and local residents. 

Falun Dafa practitioners in the Morgan Hill Freedom Fest Parade on July 4, 2021

The Morgan Hill Freedom Fest Parade attracts thousands of people each year. Many spectators arrived early to get a spot, and some set up beach chairs or picnic blankets along the roadside. Last year's parade was canceled due to the CCP virus (coronavirus).

The Falun Dafa practitioners' procession was made up of the Western U.S. Tian Guo Marching Band and practitioners demonstrating the five sets of Falun Dafa exercises. Members of the Tian Guo Marching Band performed “Falun Dafa Is Good,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and “The Sacred Song” while wearing traditional Chinese costumes. Practitioners demonstrating the exercises wore traditional bright yellow exercise outfits.

Residents on both sides of the street cheered, clapped, took pictures, and waved at the Falun Dafa practitioners as they passed. The spectators were in high spirits and many asked for more information about Falun Dafa. Practitioners told people that the group was made up of Falun Dafa practitioners from the San Francisco Bay Area who abide by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Many people gave the thumbs up to show their approval and support.

Local Organizer: Thank You for Sharing the Values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance

As the Falun Dafa procession passed the reviewing stand, the host introduced Falun Dafa and said, “These are Falun Dafa practitioners and they follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They are also showing us the beauty of Falun Dafa. Thank you for sharing it with us. We wish you a Happy 4^th of July.”

Lissa Kreisler, parade organizer, was happy that Falun Dafa practitioners joined the parade.

Lissa Kreisler, a parade organizer, enjoyed the Falun Dafa practitioners’ procession. “Wow, they are very disciplined and always carry a smile on their faces while parading,” she said.

“The Falun Dafa practitioners are one of my favorite groups in the parade. I really like the music that they are performing,” she said.

Richard Fisher, a parade organizer, hopes that Falun Dafa practitioners will come back next year.

Richard Fisher, another parade organizer, remarked, “Falun Dafa practitioners are outstanding. They are the biggest group in the Morgan Hill parade. The music they play is beautiful and they are excellent musicians.”

He thanked the Falun Dafa practitioners for joining the parade and said he hopes they will come back next year.

“We Love Falun Dafa”

This was the first time that local resident Juanita Velasco had encountered Falun Dafa. She said, “I really like how the practitioners are demonstrating the exercises. It is very refreshing. This is the first time I’ve seen Falun Dafa and it’s great.”

“I also like the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I would like to find out more about it and see if there are any practice sites around Morgan Hill,” she added.

Christa (middle) watches the parade with her mother and a friend.

Christa came to the parade with her mother and her friend. She said that she was very happy to see Falun Dafa practitioners, and she clapped for them enthusiastically. “I really like Falun Dafa practitioners. They are great. Thank you for coming to this parade,” she said.

Timitz supports Falun Dafa.

Shaiyah Timitz said the melodies that the Falun Dafa practitioners performed were magnificent. “I think that this is the best way to celebrate freedom,” he said. 

After learning about the ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China, he stated that as a Christian he always prays for people who are persecuted. 

“The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has done many evil things,” he said. “I feel very sad when I think about how people are suffering in China.”

Then he added, “I support Falun Dafa practitioners. This is the reason why people come to America. We are a big family.” 

Doug, a local resident, appreciated the Falun Dafa procession.

“I have been to Morgan Hill’s parade for many years. We are celebrating July 4^th, we are celebrating freedom,” Doug said, as he took a truth-clarification flyer.

“Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is great! I really like these values,” he said.

Doug appreciated the Tian Guo Marching Band. “The costumes are beautiful. I am very happy that they can be a part of this parade,” he said.

“I also like how practicing the exercises can benefit one’s mind and body,” he continued. “This is great and they look very synchronized when demonstrating the exercises.”

Fernanda (middle) was very happy to see Falun Dafa practitioners and asked to take a picture with them.

Fernanda enjoyed seeing the Falun Dafa practitioners in the parade and said she supports them. She also asked if she could take a picture with several of the practitioners in their yellow exercise outfits.