(Minghui.org) The Tian Guo Marching Band, comprised of Falun Dafa practitioners from Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa in Canada, was invited to participate in the 64th International Seaway Festival in Ogdensburg City, New York, on July 26, 2025.
Over the 1.2-mile parade route, the Tian Guo Marching Band performed eight pieces, such as “Falun Dafa is Good,” “Delivering Treasure,” “The Sacred King,” and “Buddha’s Sacred Music.” Before the band’s part of the procession became visible to spectators, people could hear the music and clapped for the band. Everywhere that the band passed, the applause continued. Audience members stood up to cheer for this band from Canada for adding such a bright touch to the event.
The International Seaway Festival is held for 10 days every July. It is one of the largest and longest festivals in St. Lawrence County, New York, attracting a large number of people from the United States and neighboring Canada.
The Tian Guo Marching Band participated in the 64th International Seaway Festival.
The audience appreciates the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance, such that there was continuous applause wherever the band went.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee of International Seaway Festival: The Tian Guo Marching Band’s Performance is Outstanding
Mr. Chris Cole, chairman of the International Seaway Festival’s organizing committee
The International Seaway Festival’s organizing committee chairman, Mr. Chris Cole, said that this year’s parade consisted of 120 groups, and an estimated 30,000 residents and tourists came to watch it.
He also told a practitioner, “We invited the Tian Guo Marching Band last year. Your performances are very outstanding, and that left a deep impression on me.”
Local Audience: Everyone Needs the Principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance
Sue expressed her wish to learn the exercises with her daughter.
Sue, who is a 72-year-old retiree, kept clapping for the Tian Guo Marching Band’s parade procession as it passed by. “I love their performances,” she exclaimed. “I have joined a marching band before, playing as a percussionist. I heard that they came from Canada. Welcome to the United States to participate in our event.”
After learning that the band members are all Falun Dafa practitioners, Sue said that the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance that Falun Dafa practitioners abide by is what everyone needs.
“Treating people with sincerity and kindness and being tolerant in dealing with situations, I feel that’s very good, and I am able to attain ‘Forbearance’ in my daily life, being tolerant and patient towards others. If I can attain all three, that would be even better.”
After learning that Falun Dafa has already spread to the whole world, Sue said, I originally thought that it was only available in Toronto. Practiced around the world? That is great!”
When she heard that free exercise classes are available online, Sue said, “I want to get my daughter to learn the exercises with me. She will definitely be interested in that.”
High school teacher, Mr. Michael (first from left) agrees with Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
High school teacher Mr. Michael brought his family to watch the parade. When the band finished performing a piece, the whole family stood up and applauded for the band’s splendid performance.
“I saw this group in the parade last year, but I only had the chance to listen to the pieces that they performed this year. I really like it! When they are performing, I just close my eyes to enjoy their music,” Mr. Michael said.
Mr. Michael also said that this was his first time hearing about Falun Dafa. “As a teacher, I fully agree with your principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance,” he said.
Mr. Alexander, a local resident, praised the Tian Guo Marching Band’s wonderful performance.
Resident Mr. Alexander came to watch the parade with his wife. He told a practitioner very happily, “I was just talking with my wife, saying that we have missed that band from Canada for several years. We heard the band’s performance just after we finished saying that. I felt that their performance was wonderful! They are full of spirit, well-coordinated, and very capable. They are very great and passionate. I like to see them coming!”
He also said that the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, which the band members believe in, are very suitable for everyone to abide by.
Ms. Lori, who is a retiree, shared that this was her second time seeing the Tian Guo Marching Band. “I love their performance. It makes me look forward to their arrival every year. I like the wind instruments the most. They are great!” she said.
She also said, “I feel that everyone should attain Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Only in this way can one be considered a ‘human.’ These three principles make up a human.”
Copyright © 1999-2025 Minghui.org. All rights reserved.
