(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in the Santa Clara Parade of Champions on October 3, 2026. They were welcomed by spectators, and Mayor Lisa Gillmore thanked the practitioners for their participation.
Practitioners participated in the Santa Clara Parade of Champions on October 3, 2026. (Minghui.org)
Located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is home to many global high-tech companies’ headquarters. The Santa Clara Parade of Champions began in 1945 to welcome home American heroes after World War II.
The parade began at 11 a.m. Led by the Southwest Tian Guo Marching Band, the practitioners demonstrated the exercises and gave a waist drum performance.
When practitioners marched past the main stage, the MC said, “Approaching us is the Tian Guo Marching Band. They attend parades in many US cities and wish to share with everyone the benefits of practicing Falun Dafa through music.”
The MC also said, “After the band is the exercise group. Through the exercises, the practitioners improve their health and mental well being. They also teach the exercises for free in the San Francisco Bay Area. Behind the exercise team are the waist drummers. Their powerful drum beats and energetic drumming embody the spirit of this parade.”
Mayor Thanks Practitioners
Lisa Gillmor, mayor of Santa Clara City, welcomed practitioners’ participation in the parade and highly commended them.
Mayor Lisa Gillmor thanked the practitioners for participating in the parade. (Minghui.org)
Mayor Gillmor said she was pleased that practitioners’ group included the Tian Guo Marching Band, exercise demonstration, and waist drum performance, and that the aim was to share traditional Chinese culture and Falun Dafa’s universal values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance with the community. She said, “It’s incredible that there are three parts in their contingent! It is wonderful to see Falun Dafa practitioners participating in the parade, and I am very grateful for their involvement.”
Mayor Gillmor said the practitioners perfectly showcased the spirit of Falun Dafa to the community, and highlighted the significance of being part of the community. She commended the vibrant colors and spirited performances that the practitioners brought to the event. She thanked the practitioners for participating.
Santa Clara Commissioner: Falun Dafa’s Values Are Extremely Important
Karen Hardy, a Santa Clara Commissioner, expressed her warm welcome and support for Falun Dafa.
Commissioner Karen Hardy was pleased to see practitioners in the parade. (Minghui.org)
Commissioner Hardy said she was excited to see practitioners in the parade. “They showed all the wonderful parts of our community, and demonstrate values important to everyone. This is extremely important. I love it.”
She also mentioned that when the idea of bringing back the parade was first proposed to the city council, she gave it her full support.
She expressed her firm stance for justice regarding Falun Dafa’s values Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and the persecution practitioners suffer in China. She said local people are protected yet people in China are arrested and brutally treated. She said, “It is absolutely wrong to be persecuted for one’s beliefs.”
She thanked the practitioners and affirmed the importance of multiculturalism and freedom of belief in the community.
Tourists from China Praise Falun Dafa Practitioners
Many tourists from China were among the spectators. A young tourist from China was surprised to see the practitioners’ large group, and stared at them with her mouth open. When she accepted a flyer from a practitioner, she continued staring.
Mr. Wang and his wife moved to the US from China a month ago. He quickly took out his phone and photographed the practitioners. He said it was the first time he’s seen practitioners in a parade and he said they “look majestic.”
People Praise Falun Dafa
Luis Calero praised Falun Dafa and said, “This is amazing. I am glad we can hold such events!”
Luis Calero praised Falun Dafa’s guiding principles: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. (Minghui.org)
When he learned that Falun Dafa is based on the principles Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, Calero said, “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are three excellent principles! These values are universal, I love it, and I wholeheartedly support them.”
He said these principles are important in today’s society, and that he would put them into practice in his life. He also praised the practitioners’ performances and the group exercises.
May said she was happy to see practitioners in the parade. She took photos of them and said, “They are amazing! The whole group is orderly, and spectacular. We are delighted and welcome them to be part of our community!”
When she learned that Falun Dafa was based on the principles Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance she said it is a path that everyone should explore and get to know. “It can bring people peace and right mindset,” she said.
May commended practitioners for their wonderful performance and said they were outstanding.
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