(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners were invited, as in previous years, to participate in the Santa Clara Parade of Champions held on October 1, 2022.

Practitioners were welcomed by spectators at the Santa Clara Parade of Champions.

Santa Clara is located in the heart of Silicon Valley where the headquarters of many high technology companies are based. The Santa Clara Parade of Champions was first held in 1945 to welcome the return of American heroes from the Second World War. Since then, the annual parade has become a local tradition which commemorates the past and celebrates the achievements of Santa Clara in the fields of sports, business, culture and modern technology.

The Western U.S. Tian Guo Marching Band, formed by Falun Dafa practitioners, performed several celebratory pieces composed by practitioners. 

Tian Guo Marching Band Music Is Moving

One woman clapped with all her might upon hearing the band perform. She said, “Their music is amazing and I feel great energy coming from them. I feel relaxed, happy, and very moved by these songs.”

I Did Not Realize Falun Dafa Has Such a Huge Band

An Asian woman and her family came to see the parade. As she watched practitioners marching past, she asked, “Can I have a flier?” She said she saw practitioners in a parade in Redwood City and thought they were wonderful. She wanted to learn more about Falun Dafa ever since.

A lady from Guangdong Province, China brought her mother and children to watch the parade. When she saw practitioners handing out information, she greeted them excitedly and asked if they practiced Falun Dafa. The woman’s mother was excited when she learned they were indeed Falun Dafa practitioners and asked to shake their hands.

The woman told practitioners she knew of Falun Dafa when she was in China. She also knew about the persecution but did not expect to see practitioners form such a large band overseas. She said, “You are remarkable. You have truly immersed into American society.” Her mother praised the band and said, “I can play the flute, can I join the band?”

Mayor Thanks Practitioners for Participating in the Parade

Karen Hardy, Santa Clara’s mayor, thanked practitioners for participating in the parade.

Karen Hardy, mayor of Santa Clara, praised practitioners’ parade entry, and said, “Their performance is powerful and majestic and I am delighted to see them. I thank them for attending the event. I saw them in the parade last time and am thrilled to see them again.”

When practitioners marched past, Santa Clara resident Javier raised both hands and cheered. He said, “I love this group! Falun Dafa is amazing! They marched in line, look full of energy, and the colors are so vibrant. Everything is perfect.”

He accepted a flier and said, “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, I love these values. They help improve one’s physical and mental well being. It’s great!”

Falun Dafa Is Spectacular, They Should Take the Lead in the Parade

Local resident Debbie loved everything about Falun Dafa.

Debbie who lives nearby came out to watch the parade. She said, “The Falun Dafa group is outstanding, I am glad they participated in the parade again.” When she learned that Falun Dafa is a cultivation practice of both mind and body, she said, “It’s beautiful! Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance is beautiful. I love everything about Falun Dafa! We need this. They are excellent.”

Amy said excitedly, “The Falun Dafa group has made the parade more interesting. Their coordination is perfect, and the music they perform is melodious.”

Joshua admired practitioners’ entry in the parade.

Joshua was another spectator who enjoyed the parade, especially the performance by practitioners. He said, “They are spectacular. I particularly enjoyed seeing people of different ages in the band. The talent they show is admirable.”

Josselle praised Falun Dafa for its health benefits.

Josselle said excitedly, “The songs they performed are moving and amazing. I can tell they have practiced a lot.” When she read the flier and noticed practicing Falun Dafa improves one’s health, she said, “This is great, I will read this carefully.”

Lynne and her husband loved the practitioners’ performance. She said, “This group is wonderful. They should take the lead and be the first in the parade. Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance is beautiful!”