(Clearwisdom.net) The Ninetieth Veterans Day Parade in New York City was held on Fifth Avenue on November 11, 2009. This year's parade theme is "The Blessings of Liberty." The goal is to encourage people to value their hard-earned liberty. As in previous years, Falun Gong practitioners were invited to participate in this grand parade.

A total of close to twenty thousand people, including three thousand in service, veterans, army reserve, nongovernmental organizations and youth groups, participated in the four-hour-long parade. Among the processions were the best high school bands in the U.S.

The Falun Gong procession was warmly received by parade spectators. Fascinated by its unique, bright and warm colors, spectators captured the precious moment with their cameras and camcorders. A large banner reading, "Falun Dafa is Great" lead the procession. Dancing fairies looked as if from beyond this world, and the exercise movements were neat and smooth. The waist drum troupe was vigorous and full of high spirits.

Close to five hundred thousand people lined the streets, including babies and the elderly, and many Chinese Americans were among them. Some held "Thank You" signs for the veterans, who sacrificed for the safety and liberty of their country.

Mr. Lu Dong, spokesperson from the China Christian Democratic Party, shared his strong feelings after watching the parade. He said the parade sent a message, that liberty needs to be guarded. By holding the last performance in the parade, Falun Gong brought the theme to a higher level, that the battle between the good and evil was not limited to military battlefields. It was also in the field of belief. It is hoped that the Chinese people pay close attention to this important message.