Washington D.C., USA: Falun Dafa Practitioners Welcomed in Independence Day Parade

(Minghui.org) The Independence Day parade in Washington D.C. was held on July 4, 2025 to celebrate the 249^th birthday of the United States. Tens of thousands people from across the U.S. and other countries gathered in Washington D.C. to enjoy the festivities. Falun Dafa practitioners were once again invited to participate in the parade, and were warmly welcomed by spectators from around the world.

It was a beautiful day, with a clear sky. The parade stepped off at the intersection of Constitution Avenue and Seventh Street at 11:45 a.m. Over one hundred groups participated in the parade, passing by the National Archives, the Washington Monument, and other national landmarks. Crowds of spectators lined both sides of Constitution Avenue, and multiple TV stations convered the event live.

The Falun Dafa group was once again a highlight of the parade. The 130-member Tian Guo Marching Band was the largest Chinese band in the parade. In addition, more than 20 Falun Dafa practitioners were invited by the organizers to pull a huge inflatable cartoon tiger drum major on a cart, adding to the festive atmosphere. On the beautifully decorated Falun Dafa float emblazoned with “Falun Dafa is good,” and “Truthfullness Compassion Tolerance,” several young practitioners demonstrated the five sets of Falun Dafa exercises. Eight female practitioners dressed as celestial maidens gracefully accompanied the float.

The Tian Guo Marching Band participates in the Independence Day Parade in Washington D.C. on July 4, 2025.

Videos: The Tian Guo Marching Band participates in the Independence Day Parade in Washington D.C. on July 4, 2025.

Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to pull a giant inflatable cartoon figure on a rolling cart in the parade.

Young practitioners demonstrate the Falun Dafa exercises on the float.

Arizona Tourists Appreciate Falun Dafa Practitioners

Katie and her family from Arizona were visiting Washington D.C. to experience the Independence Day celebrations. She said that Independence Day means gratitude and blessings to her and her family. This was the first time she saw Falun Dafa practitioners participate in the parade. Katie exclaimed, “It’s so beautiful! Very beautiful!” She added, “The band played very well, very interesting and full of energy.”

Katie (second from right) and her family from Arizona

Richard and Linda also came to Washington from Arizona to watch the Independence Day parade. When they saw the Tian Guo Marching Band, they applauded and cheered for practitioners. They said it was their first time to see the Falun Dafa group. Richard said, “It is wonderful and beautiful.” The couple thanked practitioners for participating in the parade.

Richard and Linda from Arizona

Tourist from Romania Enjoys the Band

Dan, a project manager from Romania, was drawn by the performance of the Tiao Guo Marching Band even before the parade began. “It’s interesting to see this mix of culture; high multiculturalism here. I was not expecting to see such a beautiful Chinese band in the U.S. I like it very much; it’s beautiful!”

Dan said he’s seen Falun Dafa practitioners peacefully protesting the persecution in China in countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, but he didn’t know the details about the practice and the persecution. After seeing the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance, Dan learned more about Falun Dafa from a practitioner. When he learned about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) brutal persecution of Falun Dafa, he said, “I sympathize with them. I hope the situation gets better.”

He filmed the band’s performance with his mobile phone and said he planned to upload it to Instagram to share with more people.

Dan enjoyed the Tian Guo Marching Band

Spectators: Falun Dafa Group Is Impressive

Chad from Chicago said he was impressed by the Falun Dafa group in the parade. “They had a band and a float, and they played songs. It was enjoyable. The float was decorated beautifully, and bright, and so it was enjoyable. I’m glad they were in the parade.”

Chad from Chicago

Sean and his son drove an hour and a half from neighboring Maryland to watch the Independence Day parade. Sean said that when he saw the Falun Dafa group, his son kept asking him who they were.

Sean praised the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance, saying, “It was nice, [the music] was very soothing, very nice.” He added, “The float also looked great. The colors were nice, and [the exercises demonstration] was very calming. It was nice.”

Sean and son from Maryland

Michael and Fara from California also said they liked the Tian Guo Marching Band.

Michael used his mobile phone to take photos, and recorded several songs played by the band. He said he would listen to them again when he got home. Fara said the performance of the band was traditional and beautiful.

Michael and Fara from California

Architect Rolly and his wife traveled from New York to watch the Independence Day parade. They really liked the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance. Rolly said he saw Shen Yun in New York, so he had some knowledge of Falun Dafa. This was the first time the couple saw a Falun Dafa group in the parade. “I think they are great!” Rolly said.

Architect Rolly and his wife drove from New York to watch the Independence Day parade in the nation’s capital.

Denise and her husband traveled from Minnesota to experience July 4 in Washington. Denise said, “I was really glad to see a lot of positivity and unity today, and a lot of cultural things. I was really glad to see that. To see people just being respectful and enjoying each other—I think it’s really positive.”

She said the Falun Dafa practitioners’ parade was lovely. “I think it’s wonderful a bunch of different cultures are represented, because that’s what our country’s supposed to be about.”

Tian Guo Marching Band Performs Eight Pieces of Music

This year marks the 18th year that the Tian Guo Marching Band has been selected to perform in the Washington Independence Day Parade. Michelle Mi, the band’s conductor, said that approximately 130 members of the band from greater New York and surrounding areas participated in this year’s Independence Day parade in the U.S. capital, performing eight original songs, including “Falun Dafa Is Good,” “Sacred Falun King,” “Sacred Song,” “Triumph,” and “Buddha’s Sacred Music.”

Michelle Mi, the conductor of Tian Guo Marching Band

Michelle said, “We are honored to participate in this parade to celebrate the founding of the United States. The spectators on both sides of the street have been very warm and friendly. They like our costumes very much and the music we play. On this festive holiday, we want to convey the grace from practicing Falun Dafa in the form of music.”

Mr. Ton Truong, a Vietnamese-American pharmacist, has practiced Falun Dafa for 14 years. He joined the Tian Guo Marching Band 10 years ago. He said he came to Washington several times to participate in the Independence Day parade. Every time he performs in the parade, he feels very happy and grateful. “I realize the freedom that this country provides for me. In any communist country, you don’t have the freedom to express your spiritual beliefs. And here, we’re allowed to do so, and in a very proud way. So for that I’m very grateful.”

Mr. Ton Truong, a Vietnamese-American pharmacist, plays trombone in the Tian Guo Marching Band.

Mr. Truong said that he wanted to wish everyone a happy Independence Day through his music, and encourage people to cherish the beauty of this country and the freedom given by the United States.

Ms. Coco Yang, who works in the media, came to Washington for the third time to participate in the Independence Day parade. She said that in the parade, she felt the freedom and tolerance of the United States. Ms. Yang has practiced Falun Dafa with her parents since she was a child. Her parents were illegally detained and sent to forced labor camps by the CCP because they believe in Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. At that time, she was only 16 years old.

Coco Yang, a member of Tiao Guo Marching Band

Ms. Yang said, “I fled the persecution and came to the United States. The United States accepted me. I’ve always been grateful to the United States. I’ve practiced Falun Dafa since I was a child and benefited from the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Falun Dafa has made our whole family healthy, both physically and mentally. I also hope to bring this great practice and blessings to Americans.”