(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners from the San Francisco Bay Area were invited to participate in the Santa Clara Parade of Champions, held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, and were warmly received by spectators.

Practitioners participated in the Santa Clara Parade of Champions on October 5, 2024.

The city of Santa Clara is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, where many tech companies have their headquarters. The Santa Clara Parade of Champions began in 1945 to welcome home American heroes from World War II.

Living by the Principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is Beautiful

The practitioners’ Tian Guo Marching Band, exercise demonstration team, and flower float participated in the parade. Even before the parade started, people were already taking photos of the beautifully decorated float. Sofia, a local resident, looked at the words Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance written on the float and said, “This is the principle to live by. It’s so beautiful.”

Many people clapped and cheered for practitioners along the parade route. Some followed their exercise movements, and said the practice was very peaceful. Others said that if everyone followed the principle of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, the world would be harmonious.

When the Falun Dafa group passed the main stage, the announcer introduced them, saying, “This is the Falun Dafa group. Members of the Tian Guo Marching Band practice Falun Dafa, which is based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Next is the float from Falun Dafa practitioners, with the lotus flower symbolizing purity. Thousands of people practice Falun Dafa, and you can find people doing the exercises in many parks throughout the Bay Area.”

Vietnam War Veteran: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is a Principle We Should Follow

Richard Salciccia, a U.S. Vietnam War veteran, took a Falun Dafa informational booklet and said, “I believe Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is the principle we should live by. We should embrace truth and reject lies. God teaches us to be kind to others, to treat each other well, and to love your brothers and sisters as you love yourself. If you are kind to others, you will naturally practice forbearance because you will forgive them.”

Richard Salciccia said people should live by Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Angelina, an active-duty U.S. Air Force soldier, participated in the parade and sat in a World War II jeep. She said she agrees with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, “We need to be truthful. I also strive to be kind, and at the same time, we need patience. People today lack understanding and patience. I’m a Christian, and I’ll read the informational booklet. The messages are very interesting.”

Active-duty U.S. Air Force soldier Angelina said she agrees with the principle of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Before the parade, Carmen, a local resident, kept touching the Falun Dafa float and didn’t want to leave. She said the float was beautiful and this was the first time she heard about Falun Dafa. “I believe following the principle of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance would greatly benefit people. Everyone is under pressure, especially parents, and it’s hard for anyone to truly understand how important it is to find peace of mind.”

Carmen said that Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are beneficial.

Falun Dafa Is Wonderful

Douglas Lepiane happily took the informational materials and said, “Falun Dafa is wonderful. I fully support this practice. We need this. We need to relieve stress, relax, let go of worries, and focus on both physical and mental cultivation. I completely agree with this philosophy.”

Douglas Lepiane expressed his support for Falun Dafa.

Ms. Carol enthusiastically applauded as the Tian Guo Marching Band played. She said, “It was so beautiful. The music they played was lovely, absolutely amazing. The float was very elegant, and the exercise demonstration team marched so neatly. The principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are precious. We need this.”

Santa Clara Resident: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is Inspiring

This was the first time many people had heard about Falun Dafa and some said they were deeply moved by the Tian Guo Marching Band’s music. Santa Clara resident Otis was happy to see the practitioners and said, “Their performance is inspiring, really amazing. I love their costumes and the grand, majestic music. It was very pleasant to listen to.”

Santa Clara resident Otis praised Falun Dafa’s principles.

He added, “I appreciate the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. These values are inspiring, and we should teach these wonderful principles. Everyone should learn them. These principles are very important.”

Falun Dafa Helps People Improve Their Physical and Mental Health

Peter Martin praised Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and said, “The world really needs it. I believe this is especially important in today’s society. These principles are overlooked, and many people are unaware of what’s happening now. I’m very grateful for what Falun Dafa practitioners are doing.”

Martin thanked the practitioners.

He added, “I know that practicing Falun Dafa helps people improve both their physical and mental well-being, and these are very important. We need inner peace. As parents, we should educate our children well from a young age and help them understand what kindness is.”