Canada: Toronto Falun Gong Practitioners Participate in Canada Day Celebration Parade in Scarborough

A series of activities were held to celebrate the 136th anniversary of Canada Day in Toronto. Falun Gong practitioners participated in two grand parades in East York and Scarborough. The parade of more than 60 groups jointly sponsored by the Department of Health and the Scarborough Mirror was especially eye-catching.

At 5:00 p.m. on July 1, 2003, one hour prior to the parade, many groups of people had lined up in the Scarborough Citizen Centre. At 6:20 p.m., the parade started with people from more than 60 groups in a variety of costumes moving forward happily and joyfully. People lined the streets feasting their eyes on the grand processions. Many residents stepped out to the streets with their entire family to wait for the processions.

The procession of Falun Dafa practitioners won special admiration from the spectators. In front of the procession was a big colourful float with several practitioners in Tang Dynasty costume doing sitting meditation to the music. Following the float were practitioners in different nationalities' costumes, including Korean, Vietnamese, and Indian costumes. A group of practitioners in Taiwanese costumes danced along the parade. Behind them were practitioners performing a ribbon dance, and practitioners in Falun Gong exercise suits bearing words, "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance," and practitioners in casual clothing. Practitioners smiled and waved to greet people along the roads. "Happy birthday, Canada" could be heard everywhere. A Western practitioner volunteered to keep order along the procession, and his bright and friendly smile left people a good impression. Wherever the procession passed, the spectators gave them warm applause. Some Indian people presented their hands in front of their chest to Heshi to practitioners. Some Chinese people shouted out, excitedly, "Falun Dafa is great!" A practitioner introduced, "There are retired people and young mothers pushing their children in baby carriages. Some practitioners' family members also came to show support. We are so happy to celebrate Canada Day with everybody, and meanwhile we display the beauty of Falun Dafa to the people, and we hope to share peacefulness and enjoyment with everyone!"

When Falun Gong practitioners reached the destination, the sponsor introduced to the spectators by broadcasting, "Falun Gong is indeed beautiful, Wonderful! Beautiful costumes and beautiful energy field..." the sponsor reiterated thanks for Falun Gong practitioners for bringing "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" to the community.

All local government officials came to attend the parade, and witnessed the beauty and good demeanour of Dafa practitioners.