(Minghui.org) The Divine Land Marching Band of Vancouver participated in the annual Teddy Bear Parade in Coquitlam, just outside of Vancouver, BC, on June 10, 2012. People of all ages lined the streets to watch the 65 participating groups march and perform. One spectator said the Divine Land Marching Band touched his heart, lifting his spirit and bringing him happiness.

The Divine Land Marching Band of Vancouver won first place in the marching group category.

Captain Ed (left) and Mr. MacDonald (right) admire the Divine Land Marching Band and take a photo with a band member.

“The Falun Dafa Divine Land Marching Band is coming!”

Invited and Awarded Prizes Every Year

Ms. Yang, the organizer of the Vancouver Divine Land Marching Band, said, “The Vancouver Divine Land Marching Band receives an invitation from the parade organization committee every year and wins high prizes every year too. We have received warm welcomes from the spectators, including this year.”

The band performed “Maple Leaf Forever” and “Falun Dafa Is Good,” among other songs. The band won first place in the category for marching bands.

When the Divine Land Marching Band passed the main stage, the host announced, “This is a surprising band. Let's welcome Falun Dafa. Falun Dafa is a traditional exercise that benefits both mind and body, and has spread to over 100 countries and regions.”

The host said the Falun Dafa band performed very well and its size doubled or tripled other bands. It is outstanding.

The superintendent of the parade Mr. Don Mayfield stated that the “Teddy Bear Parade” aims to bring joy and family reunion to the community. He was very happy that over 60 groups participated in the parade and Falun Dafa's performance left a deep impression on him.

The Music Touched my Heart

Mr. Les came from Vancouver Island to join his relatives and watched the parade. When the Divine Land Marching Band passed him, he applauded loudly. “I know Falun Dafa, I know their activities to stop the persecution. I like their music. The music brings me joy and I cheer for them,” Les said. He pointed to his heart and continued, “The music touched my heart, lifting my spirit and bringing me joy.”

Chinese Quit the CCP

A lot of Chinese people watched the parade and many of them were new immigrants from mainland China. The band's performance let them see the beauty of Falun Dafa. According to a volunteer at the “Quit the CCP Service Center,” 34 Chinese had registered to quit the CCP and its affiliated organizations that day.

Ms. Zhao and her family came to Canada recently from Guangzhou, China. Her family was watching the parade. When the Divine Land Marching Band approached, her two sons became excited. They jumped and cheered, “Chinese, Chinese, Falun Dafa is coming!” Ms. Zhao was busy taking video footage of the parade. She told the reporter later, “The Falun Dafa procession is spectacular. I am surprised to see so many people practicing Falun Dafa in a foreign country.” She said it was regretful that such a parade entry is not possible in China.