(Clearwisdom.net) Commemorating the fifth anniversary of July 20, 1999, when the persecution of Falun Dafa began, Seattle Falun Gong practitioners participated in a parade, Fa-promotion (1), and truth clarification activities in Chinatown and Seattle Center for two days.

Parade procession

Parade procession

Parade procession

Little practitioner passes out flyers

Spectators ask for lotus flowers

July 25, 2004 was the annual "Seafair" parade in Seattle's Chinatown. Seafair is the largest activity of the year, attracting more visitors than any other Seattle event. During the month-long event, there are numerous performances on water, in air, and on stages, including parades and street markets. It not only provides a colorful summer for the local residents but also attracts visitors from other states, bringing Seattle a busy tourist season.

The Chinatown parade's Falun Dafa procession was very eye-catching. Four male practitioners lead the procession carrying a large blue banner that read: "The World Needs Truthfulness Compassion Tolerance." Many people shouted to us when they saw the banner, "Falun Dafa! Falun Dafa!"

A lotus flower cart followed, with one little practitioner sitting inside it. She was dressed in a traditional Chinese costume and sat in the meditation posture, peaceful and serene. The lotus flower cart attracted many children and parents. They surrounded the cart asking for little paper lotus flowers, creating a special scene within the bustling parade.

Seven female Falun Gong practitioners performed a Tang Dynasty Dance and a fan dance, while other practitioners demonstrated the exercises. From the performances, exercise demonstration and music, the spectators saw the beauty of Falun Dafa. Many Chinese and Westerners cheered, waved their hands, and smiled to Falun Gong practitioners, and asked for truth-clarification materials. A little 4-year-old practitioner also followed her parents passing out flyers. From the reactions of the local Chinese people, we felt that more had learned the truth about Falun Dafa and most now welcome and respect Falun Dafa.

The parade was broadcast live through the local TV Channel 11 and reached thousands of TV viewers. After the parade, many viewers phoned in asking for information about where they could learn the exercises.

The day before the parade, Seattle practitioners held a group practice activity on the lawn of Seattle Center. In contrast to the bustling environment, the Falun Gong exercises looked extremely peaceful and serene. A watercolor painter took photos of the exercises and said he wanted to paint the scene. He knew little about Falun Gong, but from this contact, he learned the truth about Falun Gong. He also showed interest in paintings created by Falun Dafa practitioners and said that he would like to view the paintings on the Internet.

Group practice on the lawn of Seattle Center

Israeli mother and sons joined the practice

A local resident sat near us and asked many questions about cultivation. A visiting mother and two sons from Israel joined our meditation. After they learned the exercises, they asked questions about cultivation and said they would read Zhuan Falun after they returned to Israel.

In China, the persecution of Falun Gong has lasted over five years. But the Chinese people today are different than they were five years ago. Many have learned the truth about Falun Dafa and more have begun practicing Falun Dafa. The news that Falun Dafa is widely spreading overseas will be passed from overseas Chinese people to their friends and relatives within China. More people will learn the truth and beauty of Falun Dafa.

(1) Fa: Law and principles; the teachings of Falun Dafa.