By Minghui reporter Caiju

(Clearwisdom.net) It was in the 90's in Manhattan's Chinatown at midday July 2, 2006. Although it was very hot, the crowds were thick with spectators watching the annual Independence Day Parade. The Falun Gong entry was spectacular. Many spectators took pictures and videos of it. The music "Falun Dafa is good" echoed in Chinatown.

Spectators are attracted to the Falun Gong parade entry

There are four Chinatowns in New York City. One is in Flushing in Queens, where most Chinese are from Taiwan. There are two in Brooklyn, which are relatively new. The other is Manhattan, which was built up many years ago. Many immigrants from Mainland China live and work here. There are lots of stores and restaurants in Manhattan Chinatown.

Falun Gong practitioners have been constantly clarifying the truth over the years of persecution since 1999 so Chinese people who live in Manhattan Chinatown have a better understanding of Falun Gong. While the CCP continues to spread propaganda here, the people are more and more willing to make contact with practitioners. This year, although the Chinese Consulate tried to keep Falun Gong from attending the Independence Day Parade, practitioners were still invited by the organizers and welcomed by spectators.

An elderly immigrant in Chinatown, Ms. Hong, who is also a Falun Gong practitioner, said: "When the CCP first launched the persecution in 1999, the whole community was hostile to Falun Gong, due to the CCP's lies and defamation. The community didn't allow us to attend the parades. Many people were cold to us too. Since we have constantly clarified the truth to people who live here, the community's understanding of Falun Gong and the attitude to us is very different now. The leaders of the community praised us that Falun Gong is great. Also, the residents respect us too. As cultivators, we are not interested in any political power. We just believe in "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" and try to be good people. We cultivate Falun Gong, which gives us healthy bodies and minds. As a Falun Gong practitioner, I wish that more people will learn the truth of Falun Gong, and make themselves a wonderful future. I hope that people won't be deceived by the CCP's lies, and have a clear mind."

Dragon-Lion Dance; Celestial Maiden Dance; Exercise Demonstration

More than 150 members of the Divine Land Marching Band attended the parade. Band members played a lot of songs with smiles on their faces. Spectators applauded and many people took photos. One gentleman was amazed: "Falun Gong is fabulous."

The Dragon-Lion Dance Team, which consists of both Chinese and Western Falun Gong practitioners, danced for spectators. The dance illustrated both Chinese and Western styles.

Before and after the parade, Chinese immigrants greeted Falun Gong practitioners. They have been friends and neighbors for many years. Once the truth of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" was clarified, the CCP cannot instigated any hatred or make any separation between them any more.

Practitioners were glad to see the change in Chinese people. One said: "Everybody is learning the beauty of Falun Gong, and having a better understanding of the CCP's evil nature. The CCP will crash soon. The Chinese Consulate tries to make conflicts in Chinese communities, but it won't be able to do so any more."

Posting date: 7/5/2006
Original article date: 7/4/2006
Category: Falun Dafa Worldwide
Chinese version available at http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2006/7/3/132078.html

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