On April 20, 2024, Falun Gong practitioners were invited to participate in the 110th “Picnic Day Parade” at the UC Davis campus of the University of California, Davis in the United States. Spectators praised the practitioners for spreading messages of peace, with some expressing a desire to join the Falun Gong group.
The “Picnic Day” is one of the largest student events in the United States with a history spanning 115 years, attracting over 70,000 participants each year. The event features a variety of teams participating in the parade, as well as various exhibitions including animal displays, technology showcases, live performances, games, and food offerings.
The most eye-catching presence during the parade was the Falun Gong Divine Land Marching Band members dressed in blue and white ancient costumes. Along the two-mile parade route, they performed music such as “Falun Dafa is Wonderful,” “Triumphant,” and “Sacred Song,” which were well-received by the audience. Wherever the Divine Land Marching Band went, people enthusiastically applauded, cheered, and waved.
As the Falun Gong practitioners’ group passed by the main stage, the host introduced to the audience, “The group marching now is the Divine Land Marching Band, founded in the San Francisco Bay Area, participating in community parades across the United States. The members of the band cultivate Falun Gong based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.”
One spectator named Megan who was watching the parade mentioned having heard of Falun Gong before. She said, “This band is great, they are spreading messages of peace and freedom.” Upon learning that the principle of Falun Gong is Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, she added, “I like this principle, it is important. I live in San Francisco, have seen Falun Gong practitioners, and have friends who practice Falun Gong. I think they are very kind.”
Stan Burger and his friends watched the parade together and warmly applauded as the Divine Land Marching Band passed by. Burger expressed his enjoyment of the band’s performance, saying, “I like the band’s music, and I am happy to see them come to perform such wonderful music for us.” He also remarked, “I completely support Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, this booklet is great, I’m glad I received this booklet.”
Another spectator named Nick from San Jose loved the Falun Gong practitioners’ team, stating, “I think this is a very good practice that can help people stay healthy. They look very organized and spirited.” He said he appreciates the principle of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance in Falun Gong.
Faro and his wife watched the parade together and were moved by the majestic music performed by the Falun Gong practitioners. Faro said, “The weather today is beautiful, combined with their excellent performance, it’s amazing, we are very happy.” This was his first time hearing about Falun Gong, and he admired the principle of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, asking, “Can I join you?”
Tonia, a resident of Davis who saw the Falun Gong practitioners’ group, expressed her excitement, saying, “I really like this group, it’s impressive.” She added, “I like the costumes they wear, they are very magnificent and peaceful at the same time.”
Upon learning about the persecution of Falun Gong by the Chinese Communist Party and the lack of religious freedom for Falun Gong practitioners in China, Tonia remarked, “This is terrifying, the persecution should stop. Everyone should have the right to practice their beliefs freely.”
Vicki from Sacramento, the capital of California, expressed her admiration for the principle of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance in Falun Gong, stating, “Our society should follow this principle.” She said, “The group’s performance is excellent, and there are people of all ages in the group, which is wonderful.”