Fremont, California: The Divine Land Marching Band Performs in Independence Day Parade (Photos)

By Wang Ying

(Clearwisdom.net) On July 4, Independence Day, the City of Fremont in Northern California held a grand parade to celebrate the establishment of America 232 years ago. More than eighty groups participated in the parade. The splendid US West Divine Land Marching Band appeared in this city for the first time and was welcomed by warm applause from the audience.

The members of the band were spirited and impressed the Fremont residents with melodious music including "Falun Dafa Is Good," "Drums and Trumpets Shake the World in Ten Directions," "Presenting a Treasure," and "America the Beautiful."

Adana Shahab, one of the organizers of the parade, said that the performance of the Divine Land Marching Band was wonderful. Falun Gong practitioners participated in the parade in Fremont many times and their performance was always very good. He believed that they would have even more spectacular performances in future parades.

Mr. Hu, a practitioner who has been in America for less than one year, said, "Seeing some spectators with a statue of liberty in their hands while waving to support us, I was touched. I also saw Chinese people in the audience. They were friendly towards us and waved and smiled." He said the band makes Chinese people feel proud and he felt the sacredness of this opportunity during the parade.

Eighty-two-year-old Daniel came to the parade venue in the early morning with his wife. He said, "We celebrate America's special value today: freedom. There is freedom of speech and belief in America. People have the right to speak and the freedom of belief. The persecution of Falun Gong in China makes people outside of China feel sorry."

Fremont resident Benjamin said, "Their (the band's) performance is excellent. Very professional. Their genuine smiles make one feel pleasant." Talking about the persecution of Falun Gong in China, he said China is under the control of Chinese Communist Party and the persecution of Falun Gong is too horrible.

Glen Wickiser from Newark applauded warmly when the band passed by. He said the band performance was fantastic. He said he completely opposed the persecution of Falun Gong in China.

Chinese version available at http://minghui.ca/mh/articles/2008/7/5/181506.html

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