(Minghui.org) While Falun Dafa practitioners in nearly every corner of the world enjoy the right to freedom of belief, they tirelessly toil for the freedom of their fellow practitioners in China who have been brutally suppressed by the communist regime.
For more than ten years, Dafa practitioners across the United States have taken an active part in community events, raising awareness of the persecution, and inviting the support of the international community to help bring about its end. America's annual Independence Day festivities provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate freedom in the U.S., and the hope for freedom in China, the land of Falun Dafa's birth.
This year, practitioners from Northern California were invited to perform in two Independence Day parades, in Redwood City and Larkspur.
Falun Dafa practitioners take part in the Independence Day parade in Redwood City, California
Young women dressed as celestial maidens wave to the spectators.
A handsome display of traditional Chinese costumes
The Falun Dafa float
Falun Dafa practitioners bring beauty and color to the Independence Day parade in Larkspur, California
The Divine Land Marching Band, composed entirely of Falun Dafa practitioners, performs in the Larkspur parade
The host of the Redwood City parade introduced the practitioners at the review stand, and thanked them for their participation. “Falun Gong has brought inner peace and health to many people in the world. The practitioners follow the teaching of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They are so beautiful!” the host exclaimed.
Donna and her family take in the Redwood City parade
Donna and her husband Don from Redwood City were impressed by the Falun Dafa entry. “This is the most beautiful group in the parade. This practice uplifts people's spirit. It's great!” Donna said.
Cynthia, another Redwood City resident, was delighted by the beautiful Chinese culture demonstrated by the practitioners. This was her first exposure to Falun Dafa. “It is really beautiful,” she said. “I hadn't heard about [Falun Dafa] before, but today I learned about their principles. Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance – it's really beautiful. I took a lot of pictures, and will read more on the Internet.”
Cynthia enjoyed the Dafa practitioners' participation in the parade.
Cynthia was stunned when she learned about the persecution of Falun Dafa in China. “It is so sad that they cannot freely practice their belief in China,” she said. “I am glad that you have freedom here.”
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