(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners in New York took part in the 94 th Veterans Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, on November 11, 2013. The procession, which started around 11:00 a.m. at the intersection of 26 th Street and Fifth Avenue, ended nearly four hours later. Over 20,000 people from 200 groups participated in the grand event.
Spectators enjoy Falun Gong's eye-catching procession.
Many spectators remarked about Falun Gong's eye-catching procession, including one man who said, “It was very beautiful. I am deeply touched!”
The parade's host, Pat Gualtieri, from the United War Veterans Council, said that he invited Falun Gong to participate in the parade because he wanted Americans to learn more about China.
“Falun Gong has spread to more than 100 countries,” said Mr. Yu, the Falun Gong procession organizer. “There are practitioners from every walk of life, including the U.S. Army and the Special Forces.”
The practitioners' Lion Dance won round after round of applause, as well as their colorful “Fa boat,” which had a Falun emblem mounted on the front with the words, “Falun Dafa” and “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.”
Eight practitioners dressed in Tang Dynasty costumes walked behind the Fa boat holding large lanterns with the words, “Falun Dafa” and “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.”
Following the lantern group were several practitioners holding banners introducing Falun Gong; then an exercise demonstration group of nearly 100 practitioners. The last group in the procession was the brightly colored waist drum team.
Mr. Gualtieri said in interview, “The inclusion of the Falun Gong procession also tells the American people: 'No matter how fast the Chinese economy looks like it's developing, or how bright its future may seem, it's all false! Without freedom of belief, all of the Chinese Communist Party's so-called accomplishments are in vain!'”
