(Minghui.org) The Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade graced Queen Street East again on April 17, 2022, after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic (CCP virus). Falun Dafa practitioners once again participated in the parade, fielding the magnificent Tian Guo Marching Band, a Falun Dafa exercise demonstration team, and the lively waist drum troupe.
Onlookers on both sides of the street applauded and cheered the practitioners’ performances. Some spectators commented on the calmness and peace demonstrated by the practitioners, while others said that they wanted to help practitioners spread the beauty and wonder of Falun Dafa. People also enjoyed the music of the Tian Guo Marching Band, and many said that they wanted to find out more about Falun Dafa and the ongoing persecution of this peaceful meditation practice in China.
“Falun Dafa practitioners look very peaceful and calm”
Bryan, a resident of Toronto, said, “I accepted a brochure from a Falun Dafa practitioner on my way to work. I saw practitioners doing the Falun Dafa exercises at the park. They looked very peaceful and calm. Having the opportunity to listen to the music performed by the Tian Guo Marching Band today is wonderful.”
Upon learning about the ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa in China, Bryan said, “This persecution should have never happened, especially the brutality happening to this peaceful group of people.”
“We will spread the truth about Falun Dafa”
Shelly and her husband encountered the Tian Guo Marching Band for the first time at the Beaches Easter Parade. Her husband said, “I enjoyed their music. They are one of a kind. It’s beautiful.”
Upon learning about the ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa in China, Shelly said, “It is unimaginable. This is terrible. I hope I can do something to help. I will definitely help spread the truth about Falun Dafa to my family and friends, so more people become aware of it.”
“I hope the persecution ends immediately”
Missy came to enjoy the parade with her family. Upon seeing the Falun Dafa practitioner’s procession, she said, “I see Falun Dafa practitioners every year at the parade. I truly enjoy their performances and music.”
“I know it is the Falun Dafa group because I see the words ‘Falun Dafa’ on the banners. However, I’ve never truly understood what Falun Dafa was about.”
After being given an explanation of what Falun Dafa was about, Missy said, “Falun Dafa is a cultivation practice? That’s great! I like it.” Upon learning about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China, Missy asked, “Why did the persecution happen? It’s not a good thing. This is terrible. I hope this will all change for the better. Falun Dafa practitioners are a group of people who only strive to gain better health and a clearer mind. I hope the persecution ends immediately.”
Chinese Immigrant: “I sympathise with Falun Dafa practitioners in China”
Carol, who works in a health product company, took a picture with the Tian Guo Marching Band. She said, “This is the first time I’ve seen the Tian Guo Marching Band. It’s great seeing older people participating in the marching band.”
After learning the truth about Falun Dafa, Carol said, “I immigrated to Canada over 30 years ago. I’d heard about Falun Dafa, but it wasn’t until later that I got more extensive information about the practice.”
Carol stated that she was upset to learn about the persecution of Falun Dafa, but was not surprised that the persecution happened. She said, “That is the CCP’s evil nature. The CCP forced me to move abroad because of my fears of the Party. I sympathise with Falun Dafa practitioners in China. They are merely a group of people who are interested in the health benefits. They do no harm to anyone. The CCP even harvests organs from practitioners. This is absolutely inhuman.”
“Thank you for attending the parade”
Arnold remarked, “The Falun Dafa practitioners’ procession is very peaceful. The Tian Guo Marching Band is wonderful. My son loved the marching band’s performance today. He enjoyed seeing so many instruments and the neat formations. He has been home for too long! Thank you for coming out today!”
Rei and her friends heard about Falun Dafa for the first time. Rei said, “This is the first time I’ve seen a meditation practice in a parade. Falun Dafa looks wonderful. The parade was spectacular today. We will do some research about Falun Dafa.”
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