(Minghui.org) Chicago’s 88th Thanksgiving Parade was held on November 24. It is the second largest Thanksgiving Day parade in the United States, right behind Macy’s Parade in New York. For many years, it was broadcast live on TV to the entire country. In recent years it was also broadcast live on the Internet, attracting hundred of thousands of viewers.
When the Falun Dafa contingent passed the VIP stand, moderator Jesse Hutch, who stars in the New Year movie B&B Merry, exclaimed, “Look at the float decorated with lotus flowers and white clouds!” Co-moderator and film star Jen Lilley said, “The float is very impressive. I wonder how long it took them to build such a beautiful float. It’s really a peaceful group.”
Falun Dafa practitioners in Chicago’s 88th Thanksgiving Parade on November 24
This was the 19th consecutive year that practitioners have participated in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Led by the flag team, they carried banners in both Chinese and English, followed by practitioners demonstrating the Falun Dafa exercises and a large, exquisitely decorated float.
After dealing with the pandemic for three years, some said they were happy to see the Falun Dafa entry’s beautiful messages. A photo of last year’s float was selected as the cover for this year’s Thanksgiving Parade handbook. Chicago's largest newspaper, the Chicago Tribune, and ABC TV both broadcast live footage of the Falun Dafa team for their viewers.
A photo of last year’s Falun Dafa float was selected as the cover for the 2022 Thanksgiving Parade handbook.
ABC TV (ABC 7 Chicago) broadcast the Falun Dafa team live. 
The Chicago Tribune published a photo of the Falun Dafa group (Antonio Perez, Chicago Tribune)
Practitioners’ entry in the 88th Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago on November 24 was warmly welcomed.
Many spectators took photos and videos.
Parade participant Mike Manly from Kansas said this was the first time he’d heard about Falun Dafa. He said the music was, “Very soothing.” His fellow soldier Tyler Bevis agreed, “It’s very peaceful, calming, and relaxing.”
Mike Manly (middle) and Tyler Bevis (right)
Paul Mairs from Buffalo, New York, said, “(Falun Dafa’s) music is full of positive energy. I hope we can have more music like this. It makes everyone happy. I love this music. I wish I could hear it every day at home.”
Paul Mairs and his wife Lindsay and daughter from Buffalo, New York, watch the parade.
Jackie Peterson and her family drove in from the suburb of Orland Park to see the parade. She said, “The (Falun Dafa) float is so beautiful. This is the most beautiful one in the parade.”
Jackie Peterson (left) and her family watch the parade.
Tom Lee, a visitor from St. Louis, said, “I like their exercises. I feel their respect and sincerity.”
Julissa and Erik, who live in Chicago, said they liked the float and the Falun Dafa team. They were happy to hear that there were sites in the area where people could learn the exercises.
Julissa and Erik liked the Falun Dafa entry.
Tiffany was excited when she was given a Falun Dafa brochure and the small lotus ornament. She said that she would love to learn Chinese and that she felt fortunate to have this opportunity to learn about Falun Dafa.
Tiffany and her sons were glad to learn about Falun Dafa.
Background: What Is Falun Dafa?
Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries worldwide. Millions of people who have embraced the teachings—which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—and learned the five exercises have experienced improved health and well-being.
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