(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in the Santa Clara Parade of Champions on October 4, 2025. Mayor Lisa Gillmor of the City of Santa Clara thanked practitioners and said Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are needed in our society.

Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in the Santa Clara Parade of Champions.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is home to the headquarters of numerous high-tech companies, including Intel. The Santa Clara Champions Parade began in 1945 to welcome home American heroes from World War II. Since then, the annual parade has become a local tradition, honoring the past while celebrating the city’s achievements in sports, business, culture, and modern technology.

The parade began at 11:00 a.m. Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) practitioners’ procession included the Tian Guo Marching Band, exercise demonstration team, a float, and the waist drum team.

Practitioners pass by the viewing stage.

Mayor: Falun Dafa’s Teaching Is What We Need

Mayor Lisa Gillmor of Santa Clara.

Mayor Lisa Gillmor of Santa Clara said she was happy to see the practitioners in the parade. She said, “I’m so excited to have Falun Gong in our parade this year. Thank you so much for what you do. I love the traditional practice of improving your mind, body, and soul. It shows our community how much you appreciate us, and we appreciate having you here in Santa Clara. So thank you so much for participating in the Parade of Champions.”

Talking about Falun Gong’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, she said, “I think that it’s something that is so needed in our society now, everything is all the negativity that’s going on, especially in all levels of government. I think that’s what’s missing; we need much, much more of that in our communities to have the compassion, the truth, and the tolerance for other people. And I think it’s just gotten so far out of hand. Your teachings are what we really need in Santa Clara, so thank you for participating. Thank you very much.”

City Council Members Appreciate Practitioners

Sudhanshu Jain, member of the Santa Clara City Council

Sudhanshu Jain, member of the Santa Clara City Council, said, “I think Falun Gong is a very peaceful organization in China. They have been really abused by the Chinese communist regime, and I really appreciate that they are standing up for their rights in the U.S. and in China.

“I think Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is a great, great principle, absolutely. And I like the fact that you work on helping people to be more helpful.”

Albert Gonzalez, member of the Santa Clara City Council.

Council Member Albert Gonzalez said, “I want to thank Falun Gong for being here, and hopefully they enjoy the parade with us today. We will see you next year.”

Kevin Park, member of the Santa Clara City Council.

Council Member Kevin Park said, “Thank you very much for participating. This is a parade of champions, and just by participating, you show what kind of champions your teams are.”

Spectators Commend Falun Dafa Procession

Before the parade, Mr. Luo from Liaoning Province, China, walked around the Falun Dafa float, taking photos. “It’s so spectacular! This procession is magnificent!

“My mother used to practice Falun Dafa,” he said. “This is the first time I’ve seen so many practitioners. Back then (in China), there were practitioners in every village. Before 2000, people in every village practiced.”

Mr. Luo lives near the parade starting point. He happily accepted a flyer from a Falun Dafa practitioner.

Anatoly Chlenov, a chemical scientist who works at an artificial intelligence company, was intrigued by the Tian Guo Marching Band’s costumes. “I think the colors are amazing,” he said. “I really like their costumes.”

Anatoly Chlenov

He said, “I think Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are so beautiful. I believe truthfulness is very important, but practicing forbearance is not easy. I believe forbearance is a very special quality in people. We all lack tolerance; most people do. If we could be more tolerant, things would be better.”

Edward

Edward, who lives in Santa Clara, watched the parade. He commended the music performed by the Tian Guo Marching Band. “Where does this band come from? They’re amazing. Their costumes are so beautiful. Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are so wonderful, and we really need them.”

                              
Nancy praised Falun Dafa.

Nancy applauded practitioners and said, “This procession is so beautiful! I love their costumes, the music they play, and their traditions—it’s simply beautiful.

“Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are awesome,” she said. “Everyone should follow these principles. Thank you for sharing this message with me. Our society isn’t following these principles right now. There’s so much hatred. We should learn to be kind to one another.”