(Clearwisdom.net) The annual Martin Luther King Memorial Parade in Manhattan, N,Y was held on May 17 on Fifth Avenue. Local Falun Gong practitioners were invited as the only Asian group.
Practitioners' entry
Practitioners' entry
The Divine Land Marching Band
Irene likes Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance
Taking photos with Falun Gong in the background
The Divine Land Marching Band, consisting of local practitioners, performed several songs during the parade. Practitioners also demonstrated the exercises.
Irene, a resident of Manhattan, said that she liked the principle of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. She said she sensed how peaceful the practitioners were. She asked how much it cost to learn the exercises. When practitioners told her that all Falun Gong activities are free of charge, she was very surprised and said she would come learn it.
Many Chinese people watched the parade. They waved to practitioners and took photos of them. Many spectators accepted the truth-clarifying materials.
Mr. Chu, one of organizers of the Falun Gong entry, said, "Falun Gong practitioners take advantage of opportunities like this to demonstrate the beauty of Falun Gong so that more people know about it and more people can benefit from it. Martin Luther King fought for African-Americans' human rights, and we are fighting for the freedom of belief, so it is meaningful for us to attend today's parade."
"Falun Gong practitioners have been invited to this parade for many years. This is the third time that the Divine Land Marching Band has performed in this parade," Mr. Liang, the manager of the band said. "The band helps people to learn about Falun Gong." The band was set up in 2005 and has performed in many different activities, large and small. It is warmly welcomed by communities everywhere.
