(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners participated in activities held on September 16, 2023, to celebrate Newark City’s 68^th birthday.

Practitioners participated in the Newark Rocks Hometown Parade held on September 16, 2023.

Ninety groups participated in the parade, and spectators cheered as soon as they saw Falun Dafa practitioners. Several people followed their exercise movements while others waved and took photos. Some Chinese people told their friends, “Falun Dafa is very active in participating in community events.”

When practitioners marched past the event organizers the MC gave a brief introduction to Falun Dafa: “Ladies and gentlemen, now approaching is the group from Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong. This is a mind-and-body spiritual practice from ancient China. There are five sets of slow, gentle exercises including a sitting meditation. The principles of Falun Dafa are Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance. Everyone is welcome to learn. Let us welcome Falun Dafa.”

Edward Moore, the parade announcer, thanked practitioners for their participation.

Edward Moore who announced a brief introduction of Falun Dafa said practitioners left a deep impression on him. “We thank them for their participation. I am impressed by this group. Their performance this year has been excellent. When they marched past, they brought a calm atmosphere, it was beautiful.”

George Smith, the chief judge for the parade praised practitioners’ performance in the parade.

George Smith, a chief judge in this year’s parade, is also a composer. Every year, he is invited to judge various parades. He said, “The Falun Dafa contingent was outstanding. In particular, we admire the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, what they stand for, and its significance.”

Ms. Kayla commended Falun Dafa for bringing joy to society.

Ms. Kayla who came to watch the parade with friends said she was delighted to hear about Falun Dafa. “I think their exercise movements are beautiful. Falun Dafa has brought joy to our society. Look at them, their movements are well coordinated and the beauty they display is amazing.”

When she learned that Falun Dafa is based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, she said, “These principles are great, I love them.” When her friends heard that practicing Falun Dafa can help relieve stress, they encouraged Kayla to sign up for classes. Kayla said, “It’s wonderful that you offer classes for free. I will definitely consider learning this.”

Cindy said the world needs Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance more than ever.

Cindy who lives in Newark happily waved when she saw practitioners in the parade. She said, “I love this group! They are amazing. We need Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance! We need this more now than at any time.”

Immo said he was happy to see Falun Dafa practitioners in the parade.

Immo and his friend watched the parade. He said he loved seeing practitioners because “They display righteous thoughts. I feel good watching them. People can learn from them. I especially like the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance. I think we can use these principles in our daily lives.”

Sara followed practitioners’ movements when they did the third Falun Dafa exercise in the parade.

Sara happily accepted a flier from practitioners.

Sara and her husband watched the parade, and she followed practitioners’ exercise movements when they marched past. She said, “This is great, it brings peace to people and helps them relax.” She thanked practitioners for introducing Falun Dafa, and said, “I felt great after I learned the exercise movements from them earlier.”

Vanessa Stewart loves the Falun Dafa exercises.

Vanessa Stewart also followed along when practitioners demonstrated the first set of exercises. She said, “This is wonderful. It stretches your body and makes you feel relaxed. I should do these exercises every day.”

Carmen said she loved watching practitioners do the exercises.

Carmen said, “They look so peaceful, especially when they are doing the exercises together, it looks amazing.” She said she heard about Falun Dafa before, “The principles of Falun Dafa, Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance are wonderful.”

Mr. Zhang from Taiwan said, “Falun Dafa’s principles are great.”

Mr. Zhang who is from Taiwan said he knew about Falun Dafa because many people in Taiwan practice. “The principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance are great. I know that people around the world practice Falun Dafa.”

Margaret Goodman said watching practitioners do the exercises made her feel relaxed.

Margaret Goodman was delighted to see practitioners in the parade. She exclaimed, “Look at their exercise movements, it is amazing! I feel relaxed. Do you offer lessons?” She was happy to learn there was a practice site in Fremont Central Park.

Barbara said she was thrilled to see practitioners in the parade.

Barbara applauded when she saw practitioners in the parade, “They are very peaceful, it is beautiful. I am thrilled to see them in the parade!”

Barbara explained that she is a Christian and she loves the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance taught by Falun Dafa, “These values are important.”