(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in Redwood City’s 87th Independence Day Parade on July 4, 2026, to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Parade organizers, Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos, and people who attended the largest Independence Day parade in Northern California praised Falun Dafa’s principles and practitioners’ contributions to communities.
Practitioners at the Independence Day Parade in Redwood City
Falun Dafa booth
The parade host introduced Falun Dafa and said it is a cultivation system of both mind and body, that practitioners live by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and Falun Dafa is taught for free. He also said the world absolutely needs Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, as the banner stated.
Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos.
Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos expressed his support and appreciation for Falun Dafa practitioners. He said their participation reflects the city’s energy, “This is exactly what we are proud of. The multiculturalism in our community is fully presented today.” “Your participation has made our parade wonderful!... You are an important part of Redwood City! You are showing that Redwood City is an inclusive family for everyone.”
Mayor Saballos praised Falun Dafa’s principles and said they are the core foundation for constructing a healthy community rich in empathy. “We need sincere and open communications in our society, as well as compassion and empathy. Thinking from other people’s perspectives and understanding others’ starting points will give us broader views. These are great core values!”
City Councilors Diane Howard (left) and Isabella Chu thank Falun Dafa practitioners for their participation.
City Councilor Diane Howard said she was excited to be part of the parade for the 23rd time. She especially thanked Falun Dafa practitioners for their continued participation, especially for the love they put in making their beautiful floats. “Everything you’ve shown is gorgeous and peaceful! This is perfect for our multicultural city.”
Councilor Isabella Chu said Redwood City was a perfect example of the American spirit: energetic, inclusive, and joyful, and that Falun Dafa’s participation exemplified this. “The Falun Dafa floats are always gorgeous! I really appreciate their participation every year and always look forward to seeing them.”
They both praised Falun Dafa’s principles. Councilor Howard said Redwood City follows these principles and stressed that absolutely no hatred is accepted. Councilor Chu added that these principles were universal and precious, and that they were cornerstones for a democratic society to prosper.
“If everyone could put Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance into practice, wouldn’t the world be a better place?” Councilor Howard said.
Resident Brian Rodriguez recognizes the importance of the principles.
Many parade-goers said they were impressed by Falun Dafa practitioners’ peaceful energy and their synchronized movements.
Resident Mr. Brian Rodriguez praised practitioners and said, “Their movements are so cohesive and well synchronized! They blew me away!” He stressed that Falun Dafa’s principles are important and meaningful in our society today, and they guarantee a nice and peaceful community.
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