(Clearwisdom.net) On July 4^th, 2004, Falun Gong practitioner in Fremont and the Bay Area participated in the Independence Day Parade in Fremont. Local residents welcomed Falun Gong and had an opportunity to witness the beauty of Falun Dafa. A lady from China told Falun Gong practitioners, "You are so different from what the Chinese government says in its propaganda!"

Falun Gong parade procession

Falun Gong exercise demonstration

Joyous waist drum dance

Traditional dance

Young Falun Gong practitioners

Chinese Americans wave at Falun Gong

Warm feedback from parade audience

The Falun Gong parade procession was led by large banners saying "Falun Dafa" and "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance." A magnificent and joyous waist drum dance followed the banners. The resonant drums, the beautiful song of "Falun Dafa Is Good" and colorful dance and costumes won waves of applauses.

When Falun Gong practitioners passed the center stage, the host introduced Falun Gong as a cultivation system of "Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance". More than one hundred million people in sixty countries practice Falun Gong.

The parade audience received Falun Gong with warmth and friendliness. They clapped at us, waved at us and asked for truth clarification materials.

Mr. Zhang, leader of the waist drum team, told this reporter that he was deeply touched by the freedom in this country, where everyone has the freedom of speech and belief. Freedom is won by people's hard work; however, countless people in China are persecuted for following Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They are working for a bright future. If everyone stands up against the persecution, the bright future will be closer.

A lady from China asked Falun Gong practitioners, "Do you all have jobs?" Practitioners answered, "Yes, we have jobs. We go to do group exercises in the morning and on weekends. We apply truthfulness, compassion and forbearance in our everyday lives. Those in the dance team rehearsed in their spare time."

The woman asked why Falun Gong is persecuted in China. Practitioners told her not to believe in the propaganda by the Jiang group. Falun Gong was very popular and growing, and Jiang launched the persecution out of jealousy.

The woman said, "I understand now. It is so different from what the propaganda says in China."

A reporter also interviewed Mayor Morrison. He said, "The Falun Gong procession is so special that nobody will miss it. The United States is a free country. Everyone has the right to choose what he wants. It is the what the United States stands for."

Chancellor Bill McMillan of Ohlone College said, "I first saw Falun Gong in the parade two years ago. Everyone has the freedom of belief in the United States."