(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the annual Italian Heritage Parade in San Francisco, California on October 8, 2023. They were warmly welcomed by the parade organizer and spectators. 

Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Italian Heritage Parade in San Francisco, California on October 8, 2023. 

The Italian Heritage Parade started from Fisherman’s Wharf, a famous tourist destination in San Francisco, passed along Columbus Avenue, then circled the main streets at the junction of Chinatown and “Little Italy,” and ended at Washington Square, Little Italy’s central park.

The practitioners’ parade group included the U.S. West Tian Guo Marching Band, a Falun Dafa exercise demonstration team, a waist drum team and a float. They are welcomed by people wherever they go. Some spectators put their hands together to express their gratitude, some imitated the practitioners’ exercise movements, and more applauded and took photos.

Organizer Thanks Practitioners for Participating in the Parade

Parade organizer Tracy Meekman thanked practitioners for participating. 

Parade organizer Tracy Meekman said she enjoyed the practitioners’ group. “I am very happy that Falun Dafa practitioners participate in the parade every year,” she said. “Their exercises are peaceful and tranquil. [Falun Dafa’s] principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are very nice and it would be good if everyone followed them. Thank you very much.”

George Uria and Susana enjoyed the Falun Dafa group. 

George Uria and Susana said they really enjoyed the practitioners’ parade entry. George said, “This team [Falun Dafa practitioners] is very good, and their performance is really nice. I often go to Hong Kong and I learned about Falun Dafa there. I know that the Chinese Communist Party persecutes Falun Dafa, which is wrong, and I oppose the persecution.”

Praise for Falun Dafa

Parade-goer Mellisa King said she admires Falun Dafa.

Spectator Mellisa King said, “We support Falun Dafa. Practitioners are peaceful and Falun Dafa should not be persecuted. It’s great that practitioners tell people about the persecution.” 

Caroline Cordall and her two children watched the parade. 

Caroline Cordall watched the parade with her two children. When she saw the practitioners’ team she said, “They are beautiful! Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are very beautiful.” She repeatedly praised the exercise demonstration and the beautiful float.

Ms. Rupa, who lives in San Francisco, said she knew about Falun Dafa. “I live here and I know about Falun Dafa. The Falun Dafa group is beautiful and they bring diversity to San Francisco’s community. I often see them doing the exercises in the park.”

Sit Jain was also happy to see practitioners and said, “This group is great! It’s colorful and moving.” He added, “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are the roots of everything.”

Hugo (right) enjoyed the practitioner’s group. 

“I like this group very much,” said Hugo. “They look great. Thank you for participating in the parade.”

When he heard that the guiding principles of Falun Dafa are Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, he said, “I like these principles. Seeing their beautiful exercises, I feel my stress is relieved. Thank you!”

Local resident Yvonne Frazier said, “They [Falun Dafa practitioners] are very good. Their movements are uniform, coordinated and beautiful. Their costumes are also beautiful.”

She said she was interested in learning more about Falun Dafa. “I like Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. Children should also learn these principles.”

Abby said she appreciates Falun Dafa. 

Abby said, “The Falun Dafa group is beautiful. I appreciate Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and I think everyone should follow them. Falun Dafa is an admirable organization. I love it.”

Sean said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) should not persecute Falun Dafa.

Local resident Sean said of Falun Dafa practitioners, “I often see them and I like them. The persecution of Falun Dafa by the Chinese Communist Party is terrible. The CCP violates people’s will. I hope the CCP disintegrates.”

Alex Pellagrini said that everyone should follow Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

Alex Pellagrini, an Italian-American, said, “I am interested in Falun Dafa. They should have the right to practice in China. I am happy that they can practice freely in the United States.”

He added, “I like the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. If everyone followed them the world would be a better place. We need these principles now more than ever.”

Strategic planner Chris Hanzlik was happy to see Falun Dafa practitioners.

Strategic planner Chris Hanzlik said, “It’s great to see Falun Dafa practitioners here. The Chinese Communist Party persecutes people of faith. People should know that the CCP is very dangerous.”