(Minghui.org) More than 20,000 people from nearly 300 groups participated in New York City’s 105th Veterans Day Parade on Fifth Avenue on November 11, 2024. Residents and tourists from around the world honored service members and veterans, and many said they were happy to see Falun Dafa practitioners in the parade, who bring the message of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. 

As the largest Veterans Day commemoration in the U.S., the parade in Manhattan marched from 25th Street to 47th Street, a route known as “America’s Most Patriotic Mile.” Among the participants were veterans’ groups, military units, military bands, floats, vintage military vehicles, and groups that support veterans. Dakota Meyer, a distinguished U.S. Marine who served in Afghanistan and is a Medal of Honor recipient was the Grand Marshal. 

The New York City Police Department led the way, many riding horses, while soldiers and police officers marched forward with their heads held high. New York Mayor Eric Adams, 10th District Congressman Daniel Goldman, and other dignitaries expressed their gratitude to veterans. 

Saluting Veterans for the 20th Year

As the largest Chinese group, Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the parade for the 20th year and were the finale. They brought the Tian Guo Marching Band, and demonstrated the Falun Dafa exercises, along with the flag team, float, lotus dance, waist drum, and LED vehicle. Impressed by the presentation, positive energy, and banners with traditional values on “America’s Most Patriotic Mile,” one spectator said, “This world will become a better place if more people practice Falun Dafa.”

When they passed the stage, Falun Dafa practitioners were welcomed with warm applause. One host introduced the group saying Falun Dafa practitioners participated in this event to salute veterans and they advocate freedom as well as human rights around the globe. 

Yi Zhongyuan from the New York Falun Dafa Association said practitioners present the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and the mindset of uplifting one’s morals through cultivation in communities. These traditional values are the best of China’s traditional culture, and practitioners hope New York residents and visitors will benefit. Falun Dafa practitioners cherish freedom, uphold these principles, and thank veterans for their contributions. 

Falun Dafa practitioners joined the New York City’s Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2024. 

This Is What Our Society Needs

Adrian attended the parade while holding a picture of her father Joseph Forman who served in the navy during World War II. She was happy to see so many Falun Dafa practitioners coming to support veterans and said she knows they are peaceful and follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. She said these values are very important to our world. 

Yvonne came to salute veterans, and she said the United States is open and tolerant. She thanked practitioners for sharing information about Falun Dafa, because meditating can improve one’s health. As long as someone acts according to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, people will not commit wrongdoings, Yvonne added. 

New York City resident Kerry Presley was glad to see people from diverse groups participating in the parade. When he noticed the banners with the words, “Falun Dafa,” he searched on his phone for more information. Having seen Falun Dafa practitioners in the parade every year and impressed by the positive energy, Presley said he would like to read the Falun Dafa books and learn the exercises. 

Will said he came to the event to thank veterans for their contributions. Seeing practitioners’ peaceful demeanor, he hopes he will be seeing more of the elements of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. 

A lady from London said she heard about Falun Dafa in the U.K., and she was happy to see practitioners because she likes what they contribute to society. 

A Chinese man who watched the parade commented, “Yes, I know Falun Dafa is wonderful, and I hope more people will practice.”