(Clearwisdom.net) On July 4, 2009, Falun Dafa practitioners were invited for the eighth time to take part in the oldest Independence Day celebration in the U.S. The unique entry, composed of a float and Dragon Dance Team, with oriental features, was seen by more than 100,000 enthusiastic spectators in Bristol, Rhode Island.

The float spreads the message of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance

Falun Dafa procession in parade

Dragon Dance Team performs in front of the main stage

As in previous years, spectators with their families had packed both sides of the 2.4-mile parade route early in the morning and waited for the start of the grand parade. At 10:30 a.m., the parade set off amidst applause, the sound of gunshots and cheers. Floats and marching bands composed of people from all walks of life marched forward and reenacted grand events that took place over the past 200 years of U.S. history.

The Falun Gong float and Dragon Dance Team stood out in the parade procession. Four practitioners in ancient Chinese costumes each sat in a lotus flower on the float, elegantly moving brightly-colored silk fans to the music "Falun Dafa is Good." A huge display board on the float conveyed a message to the audience that read, "Falun Dafa - A Traditional Self-Cultivation Practice to Improve Mind and Body. Truthfulness-Benevolence-Forbearance."

The Dragon Dance Team, composed of nine Falun Gong practitioners, carried a ten-meter-long dragon, and jumped, lifted, swerved and swept the dragon body, making it a very intriguing sight. The spectators responded with waves of applause.

When the Falun Gong contingent marched to the main stage, the host shouted loudly, "Let's give the Falun Gong contingent a warm welcome and applause. Happy Independence Day! Let's cherish and protect human rights and freedom!" WLNE-TV/ABC6 Television Station videotaped the entire parade, and helped spread the message of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance to a wider range of viewers.