(Minghui.org) June 24 is Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in Quebec, Canada and one of the most important holidays which honor French settlers. In the waterfront city of Valleyfield, the 128-year-old annual parade drew tens of thousands of people to watch. As in previous years, the Falun Dafa team was warmly welcomed by the public.
The Falun Dafa team consisted of the Tian Guo Marching Band and the exercise demonstration group. They displayed banners written in French that read “Falun Dafa is good,” “Celebrating the 32nd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s spread around the world,” and “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance bring hope.” People asked for Falun Dafa flyers. Those who were interested in the practice said that they would go online to learn more.
Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Valleyfield Parade on June 24, 2024.
People accept fliers from a practitioner.A group happily displays the Falun Dafa fliers they were given.
According to Mr. Michel Bougie, chairman of the celebration organizing committee, the theme of this year's parade is “Family,” and a total of 78 groups participated. He said that the Falun Dafa group is a member of the parade family, and people look forward to seeing them every year.
Mr. Michel Bougie, chairman of the celebration organizing committee
“Everyone likes them. The music and performance of the Tian Guo Marching Band are great. The exercises are great, and the band’s costumes are beautiful, they are the same color as our Quebec flag,” he emphasized. In particular, the band celebrates the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. “That’s why people like them so much. After the parade every year, everyone says they look forward to their return next year.”
Yan (right) and Cassandra said they like the Falun Dafa team.
Cassandra said, “They embody truth and tranquility. Watching their movements, I feel peaceful and calm. I think more people should practice this exercise, because tolerance and patience are very lacking in today’s society.”
Yan said, “The whole team is very well organized. I feel that they are focused when practicing, which is very helpful for restoring personal energy. Yes, I feel it too. This is the embodiment of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.”
Vanessa Proulx said she wished to learn Falun Dafa after reading the flyer.
Vanessa Proulx practices yoga. After reading Falun Dafa flyer and learning there was a practice site in Valleyfield, she was interested in learning the exercises.
She looked at the words “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance” on the cover of the flyer and said, “It seems that I need to work harder on forbearance. My understanding is that it is important to have all three if you want to live a smooth life.”
Yves Marcotte praises Falun Dafa. (The Epoch Times)
Yves Marcotte was a contractor before he retired and moved to Valleyfield seven years ago. He said that last year, the daughter of his friend started practicing Falun Dafa and, “there have been huge changes. She has become more peaceful and calm.”
He also said that the Falun Dafa team is wonderful, “I like them, their spiritual connotations, and everything they bring.”