(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners from Houston, College Station, Austin and San Antonio were invited to take part in the Independence Day parade on July 4, 2025. The event was organized by The Woodlands in Montgomery County.

Practitioners were warmly received by spectators along the route. One person exclaimed, “We need Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance! You are a very good group!”

The Independence Day parade, which started in the 1970s, is an important patriotic event in the community. This year is the 49th year the parade has been held, and this year’s theme is: “Wings of Liberty: Celebrating the Bald Eagle.” The parade highlights the bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, to highlight the nation’s independent courage and spirit of freedom.

Falun Dafa practitioners carried the U.S. national flag, followed by banners which displayed the words: “Falun Dafa Is Good,” “The World Needs Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance,” and “Falun Dafa in Texas.” Behind them came the float, colorful flags, and waist drummers. Some people along the parade route waved their flags or clapped and cheered when they saw practitioners. Others took photos or asked for information about Falun Dafa.

Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in The Woodlands Independence Day parade on July 4, 2025.

Practitioners distribute informational materials.

Freedom of religion is the foundation of the United States. Falun Dafa practitioners love peace and freedom and celebrated the festival with the public, and shared how wonderful Falun Dafa is.

“We All Need Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance”

Ena asked a practitioner about Falun Dafa and took some informational materials. She said that practitioners dressed in their bright yellow costumes provided a refreshing change.

When she learned that Falun Dafa is a form of cultivation and that practitioners abide by Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance, she happily said, “We all need Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance! I’m happy you participated in the Independence Day parade. You are a very good group!”

Ms. Ena welcomed Falun Dafa practitioners.

She also said, “I think it’s your mission to promote Dafa so that everyone can know about the practice. This is also why I wanted this information. I will go online to find more information about it.” She took a group photo with practitioners so that she could remember the day. She encouraged the practitioners, “Please continue doing the things you should do!”

“Falun Dafa Has a Positive Influence on Society”

This was the first time Chris saw Falun Dafa practitioners in the parade. He said he was interested in meditation and tried many methods. When a practitioner told him where the nearest practice was, Chris said he would definitely go there and learn the exercises.

Chris thinks Falun Dafa has a positive influence on society.

Chris said, “Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance brings peace to people. This is a very good thing. Being able to share Falun Dafa with everyone is very good. The more you share the practice with everyone, the more [good things] you will see.”

Chris thinks that Falun Dafa will definitely have a positive effect on society and he’d happy if everyone practiced Falun Dafa. He looks forward to the future, and said, “[Just imagine] everyone around us now, doing the meditation together with us.”