(Clearwisdom.net) The Hillsboro Oregon Rotary Club's 4th of July Parade is the second-largest Independence Day parade in Oregon. This event, which dates back to 1926, draws an estimated 25,000 people annually.

This was the third time that Portland practitioners have participated in this parade. There were over 130 entries this year.

The Falun Gong procession was composed of practitioners in yellow uniforms gracefully performing exercises, and a beautifully decorated float.

The Falun Gong group was warmly welcomed by spectators lining the parade route through the historic downtown area of Hillsboro. Many people were touched by the serene and sublime spirit emanated by the practitioners. Some read aloud the words "Enlightening Meditation" from the large poster covering one side of the float.

Many onlookers reached out for flyers, expressed appreciation for "the beautiful spectacle," and applauded. One lady was so impressed that she urged practitioners to teach her the exercises.

During this year's the Fourth of July festivities, many local residents as well as Oregonians from across the state experienced the beauty of Falun Dafa and expressed their gratitude to practitioners for introducing the practice to them.