(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners were invited to participate in the 35th annual Independence Day Parade held in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on July 4, 2025, in celebration of the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States. The Falun Gong practitioners’ contingent was warmly welcomed and praised by the organizers and the spectators.
Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and is one of the most famous university towns in the United States. It has a large number of Chinese residents and boasts a rich cultural heritage.
The parade was organized by the Ann Arbor Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). Nearly 50 groups participated, including school bands, local politicians, veterans groups, a local Chinese school, and other groups.
Leading the Falun Gong practitioners’ contingent were large banners emblazoned with “Falun Dafa” and “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance” in golden letters and Chinese characters. Next came practitioners carrying bright banners in both Chinese and English, followed by a waist drum team dressed in traditional blue Chinese exercise outfits.
Several practitioners handed out fliers along the parade route with information about Falun Gong and free exercise class schedules. Many people happily accepted the materials while applauding. Thousands of copies were distributed during the two-hour parade.
Falun Gong practitioners practice the exercises before the parade starts.
Falun Gong practitioners participate in the Independence Day Parade in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on July 4, 2025.
A staff member from the Ann Arbor Jaycees, the group that organized the parade, takes photos of the Falun Gong procession.
Parade spectators were happy to accept Falun Gong fliers.
Spectators lined both sides of the street.
Many Chinese people watch the parade.
There was applause and praise wherever the Falun Gong practitioners marched past. One woman watching the procession exclaimed, “True Chinese spirit!”
A middle-aged couple applauded when they saw the Falun Gong formation approaching. The wife commented, “What a beautiful team! Spectacular! These people are all really good people. We like them very much!”
The local Chinese school also participated in the parade. Many Chinese parents came downtown to watch the parade. They smiled and took photos with their phones when they saw the Falun Gong group.
Dr. Xu, representing the participating Falun Gong practitioners, said, “We are very happy to celebrate Independence Day along with people of all ethnic groups. We thank the U.S. government and the American people for their support for Falun Gong over the years. We want to share the beauty of Falun Gong with the people of this land of freedom.”
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