Illinois, US: Falun Dafa Group Takes Part in Evanston’s 100th Annual Independence Day Parade

(Minghui.org) The Falun Dafa group was invited to participate in the 4th of July Parade in the northern Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois on July 4, 2023. This year marks the annual parade’s 100th anniversary. Practitioners have been invited to participate every year since 2001.

Despite the summer heat wave, locals and tourists lined both sides of the street and enthusiastically celebrated the 4th of July. The practitioners’ procession showcased a flag team, flower float and exercise demonstration team. People took videos, and gave practitioners a thumbs up. Some imitated practitioners’ movements as they did the Falun Dafa exercises. Many people praised Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and happily accepted informational flyers. 

Practitioners were welcomed in the 4th of July Parade in Evanston, Illinois. 

“I love America, and I love China too!”

Tom Cadigan from Chicago expressed his support for Falun Dafa. 

Tom Cadigan who lives in Chicago, said that celebrating America’s Independence Day, the 4th of July, was very important to him. “I want to give back for what this country has given to me!”

Tom has been to China several times. He said he’d heard about Falun Dafa and knew about the ongoing persecution. He said that he loves America and loves China as well. 

About the persecution, Tom said, “The U.S. government should put economic pressure on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Americans need to know the truth about the persecution and support Chinese people whenever possible.”

“I finally understand now. The CCP is contrary to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance!”

Arn Ahlstrom said the Falun Dafa group’s float was the most beautiful one. 

Many people said the melodious music and practitioners’ colorful procession was unique. Arn Ahlstrom said, “Falun Dafa’s lotus flower float is the best and the most beautiful float in today’s parade!”

Arn recollected seeing Falun Dafa practitioners demonstrating the exercises when he was working at Navy Pier, a famous tourist spot in Chicago. However, he said that some Chinese people called and attempted to stop them from holding activities. Arn said that he was confused, and thought, “Why do they want to stop people from practicing such a beautiful and beneficial practice? I finally understand now. The CCP is against and even contrary to Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance!”

“I like the principles Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance!” 

Christina and Kevin said they enjoyed the practitioners’ procession.

Christina and Kevin live in Evanston. They were excited when they saw the practitioners’ flag team. 

Kevin said he received a flyer about Falun Dafa during a previous 4th of July Parade in Evanston. “I still have that flyer. The photo of a practitioner on the cover meditating reminds me to have a healthy body. I like the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. It is a great way to live life.”

Local resident Ann Cooper said she was attracted to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. 

Ann Cooper was happy to see practitioners’ float and said she was attracted to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. She was grateful to receive a lotus flower and a flyer about Falun Dafa. She said that Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are very good. Ann said that she was interested in learning to practice Falun Dafa and felt it would help her focus. 

Chris Schriner (left front) and Christy Chultz (back) and their family enjoyed watching the parade.

Chris Schriner and Christy Chultz were impressed by practitioners’ lotus flower float. “It is beautiful! It is wonderful!” They were interested in meditation and liked the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They said, “If everyone abided by these principles, the world would be a better and more peaceful place.”

“I feel very fortunate to be here!”

Ms. Yang, who nearly died of torture in China for her faith, is grateful to be able to practice her belief freely in the US.

Ms. Yang started practicing Falun Dafa in 1996. Before she moved to the United States, she was unlawfully detained by the CCP and nearly died from torture in custody. Seeing Americans celebrating Independence Day, she was touched and said, “Under the CCP regime and its so-called National Day in China, fear and anxiety are everywhere. People are forbidden to even go to Beijing.”

She said she was able to finally experience what it means to be free after coming to the United States. She said, “I feel very fortunate to be here and tell people about Falun Dafa. Thanks to the American government, people in this free land, the U.S., are able to have freedom of belief and the freedom to pursue happiness.”

Lillian (left) said that Falun Dafa is now part of her life.

Lillian and Nancy drove four hours from Indiana to participate in the parade. 

Lillian heard about Falun Dafa from a distant relative when she was still living in China. Although none of her friends or relatives practice Falun Dafa nor did she receive support from her family, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance were deeply rooted in her heart. 

Lillian worked for a high-tech company when she was in China. The competitive environment and complicated interpersonal relationships made Lillian depressed and she became anorexic. After she began practicing Falun Dafa her life was renewed. She said, “Falun Dafa is now part of my life after coming to the United States. I feel very fortunate to participate in this parade!”

Nancy, (far right) who practices Falun Dafa, is happy to have freedom of speech.

Nancy, a Falun Dafa practitioner, grew up in a family of cultivators. Her family benefited greatly from practicing Dafa. Even after her grandmother and father were persecuted by the CCP, Nancy never wavered in her firm belief in Falun Dafa and the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. 

Nancy said, “When I first came to the United States, I was sad because I knew that my family was still persecuted in China and they were not able to come here.”

She was happy to have freedom of speech. “I experienced what freedom truly is after coming to the United States. I am able to participate in public activities to raise awareness and call for an end to the CCP’s persecution.”