(Clearwisdom.net) On September 11, 2004, Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Gold Coast's annual "Spring Parade." Practitioners participated in this parade three years ago and left a deep impression with the organizers. Since then, practitioners have been invited to this parade every year.
The "Spring Parade" is the largest community celebration of the Gold Coast. This year, the practitioners' float, waist drum troupe, and colorful attire attracted much attention. Along the one kilometers parade route, many spectators had an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Falun Dafa. Practitioners also handed out hundreds of Falun Gong leaflets and colorful paper lotus flowers. During the parade, we often heard people exclaim: "These people are so peaceful."
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The parade ended at Rotary Park, where entertainment had been arranged. Practitioners set up two tents there. One was for the "Pedals of Peace." Many parents taught their children how to fold paper lotus flowers while listening to practitioners narrating little Fadu and her father's story. Fadu's father was tortured to death two years ago in China for practicing Falun Gong. Since then, Fadu and her mother have traveled to many countries around the world telling her father's plight, and exposing the persecution.
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During the event, practitioners demonstrated the exercises on stage several times. Some practitioners also performed traditional Chinese dance, and the practitioners' "One World" choir sang two songs they created. Practitioners' performances were well received by the audience. Some asked about local practice sites they could visit. A parent who worked at a local pre-school cordially invited practitioners to the school's multi-cultural fair.
In the afternoon, a local government official came to sincerely thank practitioners for participating. He commended the practitioners who sang on the stage. During the entire afternoon, the park was filled with bustling tourists, and many of them came to get information about Falun Gong and the persecution of practitioners in China. People can't understand why Jiang and his political followers brutally persecute such a peaceful and beautiful practice.
