DUNWOODY, Ga.—For the first time, Atlanta Falun Gong practitioners marched in the Fourth of July parade in the newly formed city of Dunwoody. The group carried bright pennants, an American flag, and a banner reading, “Falun Dafa is good.”
Most of the Falun Gong marchers were ethnic Chinese born in China. One western practitioner, a Navy veteran, proudly wore his double dolphin pin showing that he was qualified to operate a submarine.
Another westerner demonstrated the correct way to fold an American flag, as taught to her by her Marine father. A third western participant represented her ancestral country of Ghana.
Spectators applauded and waved as the colorful group passed by.
Several people approached participants after the parade to learn more about the practice.
As for the other groups in the parade, a full reenactment of the Mad Hatter’s tea party from Alice in Wonderland was the quirkiest, and Harry the Hawk, mascot for the Atlanta Hawks basketball team, was the most athletic.
Rival candidates for judge and state senate positions, charitable groups, veterans, and antique car enthusiasts added even more variety to the holiday parade.
