(Clearwisdom.net) On July 4, 2007, Falun Gong practitioners participated in the Independence Day Parade in O'Fallon, Missouri, for the third time.

Falun Gong practitioners participated in the Independence Day Parade in O'Fallon

Though it was more than 90^oF, many spectators showed up and crowded both sides of the two-mile parade route. Children stood in front of the crowds with bags in hand for celebration treats.

Many organizations participated in the parade. The practitioners' float concluded the parade. The melodious music of "Pudu," an eye-catching banner worded "Truth-Compassion-Tolerance," and a graceful exercise demonstration impressed spectators at the end of the parade. People on the sidewalks watched attentively, and comments from the crowd included, "Awesome," "Pretty," "Very nice," and "Thank you!" Some spectators imitated the hand gestures of the practitioners demonstrating the exercises. Others greeted practitioners with both hands pressed in front of their chests.

Many people asked for information. Some inquired where to get more information. Chinese people in the audience also accepted the truth-clarification flyers and Chinese literature "Journey to Return" and thanked the practitioners. People accepting the literature read attentively.

O'Fallon is a newly developed city located 40 miles from St. Louis. It has a population of more than 70,000. Practitioners recently attended the city council meeting, explained what Falun Gong is, and exposed the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong and the CCP's atrocity of harvesting organs from living Falun Gong practitioners. The meeting was broadcast to all local residents through their public TV station. In the future, the practitioners will hold free Falun Gong instruction sessions at the library and other locations.