(Minghui.org) The Falun Dafa group's Tian Guo Marching Band participated in the Italian Heritage Parade in San Francisco on October 12, 2025.
Tian Guo Marching Band participated in the Italian Heritage Parade on October 12, 2025.
The parade started at 12:30 p.m and marched down Columbus Avenue. Many spectators praised the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance.
As the Tian Guo Marching Band passed the podium, the moderator introduced them and said they uphold the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and participate annually in the Italian Heritage Parade. This year, they were honored with the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award in the Huntington Beach July 4 parade.
“Thank you again, Tian Guo Marching Band,” the emcee said. “They are always a highlight of the San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade. They have participated for over 15 years.”
Local Residents Commend Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance
Gabriela Canne (left) and friend Victoria
Gabriela Canne, who lives in San Francisco, and her friend Victoria stopped to watch the Tian Guo Marching Band as they rehearsed. Gabriela said she loved the band and shared a recording of the rehearsal with her nephew to tell them how wonderful the band’s performance was.
When she learned that the band members practice Falun Gong, which is based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, she said, “Wow, I love these principles! I think that’s why I was drawn to this band. I feel like the principles call me, and I really love them.
“Everyone needs to relax and listen to such beautiful music. It’s wonderful,” Gabriela said.
Victoria also loved the band and said, “Their music is so beautiful and harmonious. The message of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance they convey is so beautiful. Their music really seems to convey that message, and I want to live by Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.”
Jay David, a salesperson for a San Francisco tech company,
Before the parade, Jay David, a salesperson for a San Francisco tech company, spotted the Tian Guo Marching Band members in blue and took a photo with his phone. He said, “I’m wearing blue, and they’re wearing blue. It looks cool, so I took a picture.”
When he learned that the band members practice Falun Gong and follow the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, Jay said, “It’s a very moral way of life. Although this is new to me, I think Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are very important in today’s society. People need honesty, compassion, and tolerance. People come from all walks of life, so tolerance is very important.”
Hearing about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong in China, he was appalled and said, “I believe everyone should have the freedom to practice their faith, and I oppose persecution. Thank you for sharing this information.”
Mohammad from Palestine
Mohammad from Palestine said he was captivated by the music performed by the Tian Guo Marching Band. He said that if both Palestine and Israel adhered to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, there would be no war. “This is my first time in San Francisco, and the band’s performance is fantastic. Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are great, and I believe everyone should have a kind heart.”
Wishes to Join the Band
Crysta from Sacramento likes the Tian Guo Marching Band.
Before the parade began, Crysta, a member of another band heard the band members play and enthusiastically applauded. She asked, “Where is this band from? They are fantastic.
“It’s great to see people from different cultural backgrounds participating in the parade,” she said. “I love this band [the Tian Guo Marching Band]. They’re a huge group; I think they might be the largest band in the parade. I especially love the colors of their costumes.”
Seeing a Falun Gong flyer, she exclaimed, “This is a meditation practice! Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—I love it. I’m from Sacramento, and I wish to join your band. Are there Falun Gong practitioners in Sacramento?”
Christine likes the band.
Christine said all these bands and people celebrate the country we live in.
She said, “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are crucial. We should be compassionate to one another. Our country desperately needs these principles. We need everyone to come together, reflect, pause, and think deeply.”
Eddie Wilson from Tennessee was visiting his daughter in San Francisco and said he was impressed by the Falun Gong group, “It was fantastic. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was fantastic. I’m from Tennessee, so it was new to me.
“Their costumes are amazing,” he said. “The band’s technical skill, their image, and the music they played—everything is fantastic.”
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