(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners participated in the 49th Toronto Easter Parade for the 8th year on April 5, 2015. This is one of the largest annual parades in North America. The Falun Gong group's Divine Land Marching Band and Waist Drum Team offered their talents to celebrate this traditional holiday with the local community.
Falun Gong practitioners participated in Toronto's Easter Parade
The Divine Land Marching Band
“Our Favorite”
Gemiese Mckenny, who attended to the parade with her son and friends said they come to the parade every year. “The Divine Land Marching Band is our favorite. It brings us such beautiful music and we really love it. Thank you so much!”
Gemiese Mckenny with her son and friends
Gemiese's friend said they had heard about the persecution of Falun Gong in China. “The persecution should not be happening. We are glad to live here in Canada, a country with freedom.”
Nancy, another Toronto resident, also applauded the performances, “They are awesome! We love to see them in any parade.” She said she had rarely seen such a large scale band in Toronto, “Plus, there are so many female band members! I'm happy to see this.”
“Many of us learned of Falun Gong from parades and the news media,” Nancy added. “The suppression in China violates freedom of belief and I hope it will end soon.”
Nancy, a Toronto resident
“We Should All Pay Attention to This”
Mary Ann Raaymakers, a real estate agent, said, “The band and waist drum team are wonderful.” She had heard of Falun Gong, but asked for more information.
Tears came to her eyes upon hearing how brutal the persecution is in China. “Living here in Canada, I cannot imagine how people could endure such brutality,” she said. “But I also know it is not easy to change the situation in a totalitarian country. We should all pay attention this. If everyone knows the truth and steps forward to call for an end to the persecution, it will stop.”
Waist Drum Team in the parade
Paul Hejna, a lifeguard, took a lot of pictures of the Falun Gong procession. With photography as a hobby, he was impressed by the layout and formations of the practitioners, and the music of the band.
“I am sorry to hear Falun Gong is banned in China and the persecution is so bad. Falun Gong practitioners are great because they bring us happiness and peacefulness. I admire them.”
Paul Hejna, a lifeguard with a hobby of photography
“The CCP Will Collapse Because of the Persecution”
Mr. Zhang, a Chinese man who came to Canada three months ago, walked the entire parade route with practitioners. “I did not expect to see such a large group of Falun Gong practitioners,” he said. “It looks great and I am proud of them.”
Mr. Zhang said some of his family members practiced Falun Gong. “I know what has happened and I also know the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) will eventually collapse because of the persecution of Falun Gong. The party has harmed so many innocent people. Heaven will not allow it.”
As a long-time supporter of Falun Gong, Mr. Zhang said he was glad to see its popularity overseas. “I may begin to practice Falun Gong, too.”
Mr. Yu, an immigrant from Liaoning Province in China, commended the Falun Gong group. “My wife, my son, and I come to the parade every year. We like it very much. Look at the Waist Drum Team. Most of them are elderly, but they all look great and energetic. This is amazing.”
Ms. Hou, a woman from Hunan Province, was excited to see the Falun Gong group in a positive setting, in contrast to the oppression in China. She took many photos and said, “We just came from China to Toronto and have never seen this before. It is fantastic! I didn't want to miss it!”
