(Clearwisdom.net) July 1, 2008, was Canada's 141st birthday, and celebrations were held across the country. Toronto Falun Gong practitioners were invited to participate in the East York Canada Day Parade. Organizers and the audience had high praise for their entry.
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The Divine Land Marching Band and the Waist Drum Troupe composed of Falun Gong practitioners were warmly recognized by spectators along the parade route. Many people said that they were aware that Falun Dafa takes part in the parade every year and that their entry is a favorite.
Juelie Stone, who was in charge of the parade, said, "It's the 51st annual Canada Day Parade this year, with 40 groups participating. The Falun Gong group has taken part in our activity for several years, and their performance was wonderful. We will keep in touch with them and hope that they will come every time in the future, because they are very popular."
When the Divine Land Marching Band passed by, Marden and Janet, a couple sitting in front of their house, gave them a thumbs-up and shouted, "Wonderful Falun Dafa!"
The wife Janet said, "They performed so beautifully that we all enjoyed it!"
Marden said, "It's simply terrific. We see them every Canada Day Parade. They are a very beautiful group, and their performances are wonderful. This time they have an excellent band performance. They did quite well, and I am proud of them."
Talking about the persecution of Falun Gong in China, Marden said, "The current Chinese government (the Chinese Communist Party) has many problems. It is an autocratic regime. It is really unwise to use violent methods to deal with people. But no matter what, what I saw today was the goodness of Falun Dafa."
Mary, a spectator wearing a hat emblazoned with the Canadian flag, danced to the music performed by the band. She was very enthusiastic and told the reporter, "Every year I see them, I raise my hands and dance to the beat. It's a very good group, I like them very much. I wish them a Happy Canada Day."
Mannesi is Filipino. His whole family of ten saw the Divine Land Marching Band and agreed, "Falun Dafa is wonderful!"
Mannesi said, "Though we are from Philippines, we are Canadians today. We celebrate together. We thank Falun Dafa for bringing us such a wonderful performance."
