(Minghui.org) Practitioners participated in the 2023 Mother’s Day Parade in Chester, Pennsylvania which was viewed by more than a thousand spectators on May 14, 2023. The 106^th annual Mother’s Day Parade is one of the oldest Mother’s Day parades in the United States. Practitioners from New York were invited for the first time and received high praise from local residents. 

Falun Dafa practitioners’ procession on Mother’s Day in Chester, Pennsylvania, on May 14

Practitioners’ procession consisted of an exercise demonstration team, waist drum team, and lotus flower team. As the only Asian group, Falun Dafa practitioners attracted a lot of attention. Their eye-catching yellow costumes, bright smiles, neat formation, and resounding drum beats resonated with spectators. Many people applauded and took photos.

Ed Dawson (left), one of the organizers of the Mother’s Day parade, and Iris Jones, organizer of “Daughter’s Day”

Ed Dawson, one of the local organizers of the Mother’s Day Parade, praised practitioners as talented and expressive. “You cannot achieve this overnight. It takes a long-term cooperation of all the members. I can tell that they are very engaged and are proud to show their culture and heritage,” he said.

Iris Jones, an organizer of “Daughter’s Day” said, “Practitioners’ performances are amazing and I hope they can come back every year.”

Upon learning of Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners, Iris said, “We live in America and have the freedom of speech. I have told practitioners that they are very talented. Although practitioners are unable to perform in China, they are more than welcome here in the United States. People have posted pictures on social media and commented, ‘Hurry! Go see Falun Dafa practitioners’ performances!’ Locals truly enjoy their exciting performances.”

Robert Rooks an engineering manager, admired practitioners’ entry in the Mother’s Day Parade.

Robert Rooks, an engineering manager, praised Falun Dafa’s procession for adding more color to this year’s parade. “I like the dance moves, beautiful music, and bright costumes. The lotus flower dance is also very special and elegant.” When Robert learned that practitioners came from New York to participate in the parade, he said, “Really! This is great! The city of Chester welcomes you!”

Kyra Moras, a mental health worker, enjoyed practitioners’ entry in the Mother’s Day Parade. 

Kyra Moras is a mental health worker said she admired traditional Chinese culture. She praised practitioners’ procession and said it was, “Majestic, has peaceful music and beautiful costumes.” 

She said, “Traditional culture is exactly what we need. Thank you so much for bringing such a beautiful authentic Chinese culture.”

Kyra said, “I am glad to see alternative ways to cure the mind and body. The city of Chester has high gun violence cases. We place a lot of emphasis on meditation and other mental health practices. Falun Dafa will help the city of Chester.” 

Judy, an Asian woman from Hong Kong, watched the parade. She was happy to see Falun Dafa practitioners’ procession. “Practitioners are special. Falun Dafa represents genuine Chinese culture. It is great! Practitioners are being persecuted in China and it hasn’t been easy for them. I am supportive of practitioners and I admire them.”

Falun Dafa practitioners (from left to right): Ms. Hong Li from the waist drum team, Lucy from lotus flower team, Ms. Yang from the exercise demonstration team

Lucy from the lotus flower team said, “I am very happy to introduce Falun Dafa and the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance to people in Pennsylvania. We have added a lot of colors in our procession and the spectators seemed to enjoy our performances.”

It is the first time Ms. Hong Li participated in the Mother’s Day Parade. She said, “I have not seen my mother in eight years and I have mixed emotions now. I am unable to return to China because I practice Falun Dafa.” Upon seeing spectators’ positive reaction to practitioners’ entry, Ms. Hong Li said, “I feel that people are identifying with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance when they cheered for us. It is important for people to return back to traditional values.”

Ms. Yang from the exercise demonstration team said, “I also have mixed emotions because I have not seen my daughter in 14 years. However, I am moved to see the enthusiasm of the spectators. I was moved to tears seeing children applauding for us. I am happy to be able to bring the beauty of Dafa to them.”