(Minghui.org) July 1 marked the 147th Canada Day, and Falun Gong practitioners from across the country joined in the celebrations. Out of sincere gratitude for the freedoms that they enjoy, practitioners wanted to give back, and also remind Canadians of the preciousness of such freedoms in light of the situation in China today.
In Vancouver, practitioners performed in two parades—the Canada Day parade in downtown Vancouver, and the Salmon Festival parade in Richmond. They won first place in the Richmond parade.
In Montreal, local practitioners as well as those from Quebec, Ottawa, and even New York, formed the Divine Land Marching Band. For the seventh year in a row, they brought Chinese culture to Canada Day.
In Calgary, practitioners introduced Falun Gong to the public, and helped 44 Chinese people to quit the communist party. Joan Crockatt, a Conservative Member of Parliament, came to the practitioners' booth at the celebration and expressed her support.
MP Crockatt was concerned about the daughter of a local citizen, Huang Jinling, who is jailed in China because of her belief in Falun Gong. She promised to help rescue Ms. Huang's daughter.
MP Crockatt from Calgary (in red) takes a photo with Falun Gong practitioners.
Practitioners introduce Falun Gong to the public at the celebration of Canada Day in Calgary.
Falun Gong's entry in Vancouver's parades consisted of the Divine Land Marching Band, an exercise demonstration team, a float, a waist drum team and dancing team.
The Divine Land Marching Band in Vancouver
Practitioners' float in the Canada Day parade in Vancouver
The waist drum team in the Salmon Festival Parade in Richmond
Practitioners won first place in the Salmon Festival parade in Richmond.
Many Chinese were amazed to see Falun Gong group in the parade. “It is impossible to see this in China,” said Ms. Yu Jie, a tourist, “The Falun Gong group is magnificent. Their float is really pretty.”
Ms. Huang agreed with her. “I came here with my granddaughter just to watch Falun Gong's performance.”
Lauren is happy to see Falun Gong in the parade
Lauren and his daughter watched the parade. “We are happy to see Falun Gong in the parade. We know about the persecution in China. They have freedom here in Canada. Their appearance in the parade makes me proud of our values, and cherish what we have in this free country,” he said.
Debi Wilde (right) and Janet Colwell (left): “Falun Gong is our favorite group.”
Debi Wilde watches the Salmon Festival Parade every year. “Falun Dafa is my favorite group. They are so gorgeous. I take photos of them every year,” Debi said: “I know them very well, and I support their peaceful resistance against the persecution.”
“Their float is so beautiful, and the music is peaceful,” Debi's friend Janet said, “The persecution of Falun Gong is unacceptable. We support them.”
Laurie Miller thanked Falun Gong practitioners for contributing to the event. Her friend Karen said: “They look so healthy. We should all practice it.”
Laurie Miller (right) and Karen (left) emphasized that Falun Gong practitioners should have freedom of belief in both Canada and China.
The Divine Land Marching Band in Montreal was equally welcomed. Lisa Daw, a local girl, said that she comes here just to watch the band. Sand Dubois expressed the same: “They are best. I wouldn't leave until I see their performances. I saw them last year. It was a wonderful experience.”
Many Chinese in Montreal were proud to see the practitioners. “This is true Chinese music,” a Chinese mother said, “They are professional, and they can communicate what true Chinese culture is like.”
The Divine Land Marching Band in Montreal
The Divine Land Marching Band in Montreal
Related articles in Chinese language:
http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2014/7/4/加国庆日游行-法轮功团体受欢迎-294287.html
http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2014/7/3/法轮功学员国庆日传播真相-加国会议员到场支持-294232.html
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