(Clearwisdom.net) On July 4, 2004, Missouri Falun Gong practitioners participated in the Springfield Independence Day parade. They received warm welcomes from local residents, and won the "Best Procession Award."


Falun Gong procession


Falun Gong practitioners


Decorated float


Decorated float


Falun Gong practitioners demonstrate exercises on the stage


Falun Gong wins Best Procession Award

When the Falun Gong practitioners passed, the spectators gave them warm applauses and yelled "Great!" "Thank you for coming!" and they waved their hands to the practitioners on the float. Some spectators raised their thumbs; others pressed their hands together in front of their chest to show respect to the practitioners. Local reporters took photos of young practitioners meditating. Police officers and local residents happily accepted truth-clarification materials.

After the parade, the practitioners were invited to demonstrate the Falun Gong exercises and dance on the stage. Practitioners also introduced the persecution in China.

The Falun Gong procession was warmly welcomed in Springfield. Many cities invited Falun Gong practitioners to their parades and wanted them to come back next year as well.