On July 4, 2022, tens of thousands of residents from the Greater San Francisco Bay Area lined both sides of the main avenues at the Civic Center district of the Silicon Valley City of Fremont, for the long awaited Fremont 4th of July Parade to step off.

This is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe in 2020 that Fremont kickstarted its live parade after two years of hiatus, as the pandemic eases and bans of gathering at many public venues are lifted.

Answering the parade organizer's call "We Are Back!" "Moving Forward!" dozens of teams—marching bands, dance groups, martial arts teams, floats, vintage automobiles, units from school and colleges, nonprofit organizations and government agencies—just like the families, young children and senior citizens in the audience, gathered here to enjoy a happy holiday with the expectation and excitement of returning to a normal life.

"We are Shaolin! We are Warriors!" The Shaolin Kung Fu Team led by Master Yanran comprising 50 Shifus and students from Shaolin Temple USA Culture Centers in the San Francisco Bay Area, once again showcased the rich and colorful Shaolin culture to mainstream America at this popular annual parade. Radiant, vigorous and in high spirit, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds formed the "Shaolin Staff", "Double Broadswords", "Double Whips" performing units and the Shaolin flag squad, while the Shaolin Shifus displayed their stunning Kung Fu prowess to mesmerized spectators, who showered them with roaring applauses and cheers.

"We miss you! Welcome Back!" "Wonderful!" "Amazing!" The entire Shaolin formation—the performances, the flags and costumes, was brimming with unique Shaolin characteristics and the charm of traditional Chinese culture and art.

Right after the parade, many people inquired and signed up to learn Shaolin Kung Fu and join the Shaolin family.

Report: Tai An
Photos & Videos: Hengyuan, Alan Huang, Lich Tran, JJT