(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in the annual 4th of July Independence Day parade in Kirkland, Washington. Independence Day celebrates the day in 1776 when the Continental Congress declared its independence from Britain and established the United States of America.
After two years of cancellations and modifications due t0 the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Independence Day celebration was finally back in full swing. This year’s theme was “Celebrate Kirkland, Together Again”
Practitioners’ banners, floats, and waist drummers proved to be very popular.
Over 70 groups participated in the parade, and the Falun Dafa entry composed of banners, floats, and a waist drum team attracted a lot of attention. Many people asked practitioners for truth-clarification flyers. Some of them commented, “Thank you for participating in this parade.” “Falun Dafa practitioners, freedom is all yours! It should be everybody’s!”
Many of the Asians watching the parade were all smiles when they saw the Falun Dafa contingent. Some Chinese shouted out, “Falun Dafa is good!” One Chinese mother told her child to take a Falun Dafa flyer from a practitioner and told her child to say, “Thank you.”
Another Chinese spectator said, “Falun Dafa’s procession was the best, especially the waist drum team. The waist drummers displayed Chinese spirit and vitality.” He also said that no other groups or organizations display traditional Chinese culture like Falun Dafa practitioners.
He added, “The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) persecutes everyone, especially people with faith. Faith steers a person to be more righteous and strong. Falun Dafa is righteous and I believe that one day you will be able to return to China! I wish you all the best!”
Some people told practitioners, “The words Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance written on the float encompasses everything in the world!” One lady said, “I like the message that Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance conveys.”
When practitioners’ procession passed by the podium, the speaker said, “Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a cultivation practice that benefits one’s mind and body. The cultivation practice includes four standing exercises and one sitting meditation. This practice guides people to higher moral values when one abides by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. This practice was founded in China and has spread to over 100 countries and regions. Practitioners are seen demonstrating the exercises on the float and is followed by a waist drum performance which has a history of over 2000 years. Waist drums are usually used for celebrations or a successful harvest.”
The float belonging to Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, who represents Washington’s 1st congressional district, was right behind the Falun Dafa contingent. A practitioner handed a Falun Dafa information flyer to her assistant and was able to chat with Ms. DelBene. She said she had heard about Falun Dafa and how the CCP persecutes practitioners and removes their organs while they are alive.
Vincent Cavaleri, also running for election to the U.S. House to represent Washington's 1st Congressional District, chatted with practitioners and said that he was aware of the persecution of Falun Dafa. He said he supported Falun Dafa practitioners in fighting for freedom.
Practitioners also introduced Falun Dafa to the local Rotary Club. When members of the Rotary Club learned about the practice, they were very interested. One member said, “I like the message that Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance spreads. It is very good.”
The daughter of the Rotary Club’s former president was interested in Falun Dafa due to some of her health issues. She said that she saw hope when she talked to Falun Dafa practitioners. She took down the website information and said she planned to learn more about Falun Dafa. The president of the Rotary Club also invited practitioners to introduce Falun Dafa to club members.
A spectator uploaded a video of the parade and someone commented, “Falun Dafa’s waist drum performance is a ‘must see’!”
A Chinese person said, “I commend the waist drummers! This is a new experience for the American community!”
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