(Clearwisdom.net May 16, 2003) Falun Dafa practitioners in the Greater New York area held a grand parade and art performance in New York City's Chinatown to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and the 11^th anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public. The crowds of people were highly appreciative of the practitioners' efforts.

The "Lion Dance" accompanied by powerful drumbeats led the procession, and following it was a large float with practitioners in Tang Dynasty costumes. Following them were dancers, the "boat on land" procession, groups of practitioners in bright golden exercise suits and drummers in colorful ribbons, kids from the Minghui School and practitioners in festive clothes. The Police Chief led the procession personally, going through the heart of Chinatown. During the art performance in the afternoon, hundreds of residents celebrated with the practitioners. Government officials and celebrities from different social circles came to express their congratulations. Government officials also issued proclamations in honor of this event.

There were many touching stories during the grand parade and performances.

1. Police chief leads the parade in person

Practitioners applied with the police department and park administrative office several weeks in advance. In the beginning, police officers designed a route for the parade that was quite good, as it passed through many busy streets. When the practitioners went to confirm with the police the following week, the practitioners were told that the police chief did not agree, and he only agreed to a very short route. The reason he gave was that during parades in previous years, there were many people shouting along the street, so he was afraid of causing conflicts. The practitioners understood that the parade route was not that important at the moment, but what was most important was that in the process of applying for permit, how to take the opportunity to clarify the truth to the police department. Therefore, the practitioners were not anxious to get the permit, but continued to request the police department for the long route on the busy streets, and took the opportunity to clarify the truth to the police. The police officer in charge was moved by the practitioners' words and actions, and tirelessly submitted requests to his boss on the practitioners' behalf. On the last day, the police chief agreed to add three busy streets to the original plan, but it still didn't meet the practitioners' request. In order to let more Chinese people see Falun Dafa, the practitioners didn't give up their effort. When learning that the police chief would come to the parade site in person that day, the practitioners decided to continue their efforts and clarify the truth to him while maintaining their righteous thoughts. On the day of the parade, the police chief arrived in person. The practitioners clarified the truth to him from different angles, and when he saw our grand parade procession, he was deeply touched. He silently walked at the front of our procession, directing the parade route. Unexpectedly, from beginning to end, he walked the route according to our original plan. The practitioners deeply felt that it was Master's compassion and the mighty power of Dafa that once again brought the magnificence of Falun Dafa to New York City's Chinatown.

2. Troublemakers withdraw, spectators cheer

When a person sent by the Chinese Embassy who had always made trouble in the past appeared beside our procession, the practitioners identified him and reported him to the police. When the police walked up to him, the person was scared and left immediately. During the course of the parade, no one made trouble. People along the street warmly applauded, smiled and looked amazed by the grand procession. More people learned the truth about Falun Dafa. Some people said that they wanted to learn Falun Gong, too. The practitioners were greatly encouraged.

On World Falun Dafa Day last year, as it was raining, not many people saw the art performances that the practitioners carefully prepared. This year, hundreds of people surrounded the stage to watch performances from beginning to end and were reluctant to leave even after the performances concluded. When we posed to take pictures to congratulate Master on his 52^nd birthday in the end, there were still many people who were reluctant to leave and applauded. In order to let more people learn the truth about Falun Dafa, the practitioners explained to the audience the facts of Falun Dafa during the performances from different angles, using perspectives that people could easily understand and the practitioners' personal experiences.

Congressman Gregory Meeks, State Senators Toby Ann Stravinsky and John L. Sampson, and State Representatives Felix W. Ortiz, Adam Bradley and Roger L. Green came in person to issue proclamations. Representatives from different communities and social circles came to offer congratulations on the celebration.

The media, including Daily News, World Daily, Ming Bao, Sung Tao Daily, Radio Free Asia, the New Tang Dynasty TV Station, and the Epoch Times came to cover the event.