(Minghui.org) Practitioners were invited to participate in the Memorial Day Parade in Eddystone, a suburb west of Philadelphia, on May 28, 2023. Many people said that their performances, bright costumes, and melodious music enriched the diversity of activities, and praised them.

Practitioners participate in the Memorial Day Parade in Eddystone on May 28, 2023.

The practitioners’ exercise demonstration team, waist drum team, and lotus team were the only Asian group in the parade. Wearing bright Chinese costumes, they walked neatly with confident smiles. The powerful drums drew a large number of people who watched and took photos. The scene was very lively.

There were a variety of entertainment activities after the parade, including carriage races, horse riding, rock climbing, performances, an evening fireworks show, etc. The Falun Gong practitioners’ exercise demonstrations and waist drum playing were welcomed.

Mayor: We Welcome Values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance

Mayor Rob Yannuzzi of Eddystone took a group photo with practitioners.

Mayor Rob Yannuzzi of Eddystone thanked practitioners for being there, and said, “Their performances are very exciting. The waist drums are special, and the costumes are also eye-catching. Their participation enriches our experience and diversity. I’m happy to see them here. I hope they will come here in the future.”

Mayor Yannuzzi said that he had heard about the persecution of Falun Dafa in China. He said, “I’m glad they can parade here without worrying about any form of persecution.”

He also said, “Memorial Day is a solemn day where we not only commemorate those who died defending our freedom, but we also celebrate our way of life. That’s why it’s great to see Falun Dafa practitioners at our events. America always welcomes those who have a high regard for our shared values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I am honored to share them.”

Parade Organizer: Falun Dafa Practitioners are the Most Popular Group

Aminata Kuyateh, the organizer of the parade and chairman of the Entertainment Committee of Eddystone City, thanked the practitioners for bringing traditional Chinese culture to local people. She said, “Their performance is very good. They are the most popular group today. The lotus costumes are beautiful and the ladies are beautiful. They sing and dance along the way and are very popular. The drums are also very good and the music is great.”

Parade organizer Aminata Kuyateh (right) takes a group photo with practitioners.

Kuyateh said that practitioners also participated in the Mother’s Day parade in Chester two weeks prior. She saw their parade performance on Facebook, so she contacted them and invited them to participate in the Eddystone City Memorial Day Parade.

Kuyateh was surprised and puzzled when she learned that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) persecutes Falun Dafa and that practitioners cannot practice openly in China. She said, “I am happy that they can perform here publicly. The people like them very much. We are honored that they came here and hope they will come again in the future.”

Public Likes Traditional Chinese Culture

A Vietnam War veteran praised practitioners.

Vietnam Veteran Skip Newton cheered the parade from the side of the road. He was emotional and said, “People must not forget those who sacrificed for freedom, not those of us who are still alive, but those who have fallen.” He said he liked the Falun Dafa group very much, “They are the best group! This is a Chinese culture that I have never seen before.”

James Keenan said everyone should have freedom of belief.

James Keenan, who is a carpenter, said he liked the Falun Dafa team, “I like their costumes and exercises. They look very peaceful.”

When he heard that the CCP persecutes Falun Dafa in China, but practitioners are able to publicly do the exercises in the United States, and they are widely welcomed, Keenan said, “Everyone should have freedom of belief.”