(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the 100th New York City Veterans Day Parade for the 16^th consecutive year, showing their support for the United States veterans.

President Donald Trump started the event by speaking at the opening ceremony at Madison Square Park on November 11, 2019. Over 25,000 paraders and 300 marching units participated in the parade. There were 150 vehicles and 30 floats. It began on Fifth Avenue at 23^rd Street and continued north to 56^th Street. The paraders were warmly received by the thousands of spectators.

The Falun Dafa procession at the 100th New York City Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2019

The Falun Dafa procession was divided into four groups: The Tian Guo Marching Band, celestial maidens, exercise demonstration, and waist drum team. The members wore vibrant Chinese costumes. Their magnificent music and drumming performances drew the attention of the crowd on both sides of Fifth Avenue. With the banners and traditional Chinese music instruments, the procession was one of a kind. On the red carpet in front of the podium the Tian Guo Marching Band played “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Falun Dafa Is Good.”

The Falun Dafa procession in the annual parade on New York's Fifth Avenue

Bringing the Amazing Practice to People

Falun Dafa is an ancient Chinese spiritual practice taught in China since 1992. It’s a system that helps improve people’s physical and mental wellness.

The director of the Tian Guo Band said that members of the band, who are Falun Dafa practitioners, have participated in numerous holiday events and celebrations around the country. “Every time practitioners participate in a parade, they bring the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance to people. We performed the U.S. National Anthem today to celebrate the American spirit. We remember those who sacrificed their lives for human rights, freedom, and peace.”

Soroush Moghadam from Iran is a Falun Dafa practitioner who was in the parade. He saw participants of different ethnicities at the event. “Today we celebrate not only the veterans but also the universal values they protected,” he said.

The Spectators Welcome Falun Dafa

The crowd and participants in the parade were delighted to receive Falun Dafa’s origami lotus flowers, inscribed with the words and the Chinese characters “Falun Dafa is good.” They also accepted fliers to learn more about the teachings.

Many spectators shouted “Falun Dafa” as the procession approached to show their warm welcome. Many danced and clapped to the music by the Tian Guo Marching Band. “This is marvelous. I didn’t expect to see such a wonderful performance,” said Maria.

Gerard pointed at the Tian Guo Marching Band and said it was “exceptionally good.” He enjoyed seeing a highly ordered group performance. “We appreciate it. Their performance was terrific,” he said.

Kevin is one of the event organizers.

Kevin, one of the parade organizers, saw the practitioners and said, “I know Falun Dafa. It’s very good.” He pointed at a place and said, “That’s where the practitioners exercise. I often see them. They are peaceful and nice.”

Mike learns the Falun Dafa exercises.

Mike resides in the Bronx. He found the practitioners while they were getting ready for the parade, and said excitedly, “I want to learn Falun Dafa.”