Practitioners Participate in Largest Independence Day Parade in the Western U.S. “The World Would Be Better if We Followed Truth, Compassion, Forbearance”
(Minghui.org) Huntington Beach held its 119th annual Independence Day parade on July 4, 2023 and 200 entries joined the celebration. Falun Dafa practitioners were once again invited to participate and they celebrated the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance with parade goers.
The city of Huntington Beach held its first 4th of July Parade in 1904, and has since become the largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi. This year it was televised live to hundreds of thousands of viewers. For ten years, practitioners were invited to join in this annual celebration, and in 2017 their entry won second place for “Best Float.”
Practitioners participated in the 2023 Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade
The Falun Dafa float at the 2023 Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade
This year the practitioners’ procession consisted of a Falun Dafa float, waist drum team and flag team. The golden characters of “Falun Dafa” and “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance” on the purple banners dazzled in the bright sunlight.
Spectators greeted the waist drum team at the 2023 Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade
The flag team at the 2023 Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade
The host introduced Falun Dafa as the procession passed the podium. “This group comes here every year as part of their tradition. The procession is beautiful, grand and colorful. They are Falun Dafa. Because of Falun Dafa's universal values and health benefits, the practice quickly spread and is embraced by people in over 100 countries and areas in the world today. Over 100 million people practice Falun Dafa worldwide.
“Practitioners of Falun Dafa come from all walks of life because the practice transcends the boundaries of culture, society, economy and nations.”
The host also said that, “Every time they parade here, we've noticed they are peaceful and gentle.”
Hundreds of people gathered along the parade route to celebrate the birthday of the United States. Many were excited when they saw the Falun Dafa procession.
Parade viewer Lori Solis repeatedly said, “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance” as she read the banner. She said that the meaning of the three words is very positive and that she seldom saw such positive messages. “We rarely hear these words anymore. More often we hear negative things. If everyone could conduct themselves according to these three words, the world we live in would be better.”
After seeing the practitioners’ procession Korey Smith said, “I see them every year, and I am so glad to see the float. The bright yellow and the brilliant colors plus the people who are involved add a great touch to the parade.”
Michelina Palmer practices Falun Dafa and said that people who practice cherish freedom, love peace and follow the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance in their day-to-day lives. She said these principles are reflected in the spirit of Independence Day. The United States was founded and based on religious freedom and freedom of speech.
“The practitioners in China are still persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party. Today Falun Dafa practitioners can celebrate freedom in the U.S. without being in danger.”
Ms. Palmer wish to convey the positive message and universal values of Falun Dafa to everyone in the U.S. “The principles of Falun Dafa are powerful, not only to the U.S. but to the world. In fact Falun Dafa is celebrated around the world. The principles will unite our country and strengthen it.”