(Minghui.org) The city of Evanston in the greater Chicago area held an Independence Day parade on July 4, 2026, to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of America.

The Evanston Independence Day Parade began in 1922, and Falun Gong practitioners have participated in the event every year since 2001.

This year’s Falun Gong contingent included exercise demonstrations, a display of banners with messages like “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,” and an exquisite float featuring a giant lotus flower.

People took photos and video recordings with their mobile phones, waved at practitioners, and shouted, “Thank you!” Some copied the practitioners’ exercise movements.

Chicago practitioners in the Evanston Independence Day Parade on July 4 (Minghui.org)

Spectators accepted Falun Gong flyers at the Evanston parade on July 4. (Minghui.org)

People Agree With the Principles of the Practice

Mary Rosinski thinks the world needs Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. (Minghui.org)

Evanston resident Mary Rosinski and her family were particularly drawn to the practitioners’ float. She said, “I am always amazed by the Falun Gong float. In today’s world, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are principles we all need. I agree with these values—they are excellent!”

Kara (left with flyer) and Julia (far right) enjoy seeing the Falun Gong contingent in the parade every year. (Minghui.org)

Julia and Kara always enjoy the Falun Gong entry. Kara said, “Julia is really glad to see the Falun Gong practitioners in the parade every year!”

“That’s right!” said Julia. “I look forward to them every year. You are the best! My daughter loves the tiny lotus flowers you make. Thank you for coming every year. It’s very important.”

Rob Maihofer thought the practitioners’ lotus flower float was “the best.” (Minghui.org)

Rob Maihofer said, “I’m really impressed by the Falun Gong lotus flower float. It’s the best one today! The beautiful colors, tranquil exercise demonstration, and the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance all blend together perfectly. It is truly touching.”

Joan Hinsdale said seeing the practitioners in the parade made her feel peaceful. (Minghui.org)

Joan Hinsdale appreciated the float as well. “I really love it,” she said. “When the group slowly marched past, hearing their soothing music and seeing the beautiful float made me feel very calm.”

Tracy Britton was happy to receive a flyer about Falun Gong. (Minghui.org)

Tracy Britton was full of praise, saying, “Falun Gong is so good. I really want to know more about this practice. Last year I saw it, but unfortunately didn’t get a flyer. I’m glad I finally got one today! It’s amazing. I hope to see them again next year.”

Maria Reyes (left) and her companion Silvia (right) want to find out more about Falun Gong. (Minghui.org)

Maria Reyes and her companion Silvia were impressed by the Falun Gong contingent. Maria said, “Their exercise demonstrations are amazing! I really want to know more about the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and the exercise movements. It looks very appealing!”

Art Medina loved the practitioners’ float and performances in the parade. (Minghui.org)

Art Medina said, “This is wonderful! Seeing that float and their procession was a wonderful experience.”

Patime Kargbo wants to learn more about Falun Gong. (Minghui.org)

Patime Kargbo enjoyed the parade, saying, “We love the float. It is so amazing! I look forward to gaining an in-depth understanding of this cultivation practice.”

This was the first time that Basine Hunter and her family had seen practitioners in the parade. She said, “The float is beautiful, and they are really cool!”

Practitioners Express Gratitude and Send Best Wishes to America

Reflecting on what Independence Day, one of the country’s most important holidays, represents—freedom, democracy, and the founding spirit—Ms. Xu, a practitioner, was grateful for the opportunity to take part in this celebration and share the principles of Falun Dafa.

“I was sitting on the float and saw everyone smiling at us, waving, and clapping,” she said. “Many people took photos and even gave us a thumbs-up to show their support. I was touched. More and more people know about us and the practice. At the same time, people experience the peaceful, kind, and wonderful energy of Falun Gong. I think this reflects everyone’s acceptance of the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.”

Theresa, who has lived in the US for nearly 40 years, has her own accounting firm. She started practicing Falun Gong in 2004 and has participated in the Evanston parade every year since. She used to be part of the waist drum team, but this year she took part in the flag formation. She noticed many people applauding the Falun Gong contingent. What moved her the most was when people came up to her and said, “Thank you for coming.”

She said, “We participate in the Independence Day parade as Chinese immigrants who are part of the local community. In this land that champions freedom and inclusiveness, we are spreading the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and a return to tradition so that people from different backgrounds can benefit.”

Theresa strives to follow these principles at work and has introduced Falun Dafa to many of her colleagues and clients.

True Courage Is Raising Awareness of the Persecution

Originally from Poland, practitioner Lisa Rudek has lived in the US for many years. Having grown up in Eastern Europe while it was under communist rule, Lisa has a profound understanding of how precious the concept of freedom is.

She said, “In America, people enjoy freedom of speech and belief, so they can think independently, uphold their values, and enrich their souls. This freedom remains unattainable for Falun Gong practitioners in China today. They are deprived of even the most basic right to freedom of belief and continue to suffer immense hardship under the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) strict surveillance and brutal persecution. What’s more alarming is that the specter of communism has infiltrated the US, too.

“The power of the truth is the courage to speak out.” On this national day symbolizing freedom and independence, Lisa stood on the float in a traditional Chinese costume. She hopes everyone can learn about the CCP’s persecution and choose kindness.

“Regardless of how divisive political views are in today’s society, the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance transcend national boundaries and culture,” she said. “They should become the shared values of all kind people.”