(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in the George Washington Birthday Parade on February 14, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia. The grand event celebrated the 250th anniversary of the US and the 294th birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States.

Spectators along the parade route applauded the practitioners’ waist drum team and float. The float was awarded second place in the float category.

Practitioners in George Washington’s Birthday Parade in Alexandria on February 14

Sue Johnson, Chair of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee, said that George Washington’s pivotal role in the founding of the United States makes the parade especially meaningful. There were approximately 1,200 participants this year, including five military bands, a bagpipe and drum corps, the Falun Dafa waist drum team, and many other groups.

Ms. Johnson expressed her appreciation to Falun Dafa practitioners for once again participating in the parade: “We truly enjoyed their participation. They won an award last year, which was very impressive. We are delighted to have them with us. They are unique and stand out from the other groups, and their performance was outstanding. I’m very excited.”

Sue Johnson, Chair of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee

When the practitioners passed by the observation stage of invited guests, two moderators thanked them and briefly introduced Falun Dafa.

Practitioners pass by the observation stage.

Spectators Commend Practitioners

Thomas

Local resident Thomas said he appreciated the practitioners and said their contingent was, “A wonderful presentation, highly professional, and perfectly coordinated—a beautiful embodiment of flowing energy and seamless integration.”

Seeing the words “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance” on the banner, he said, “These are what we need. Thank you for bringing this.”

Scott and his wife

Scott and his wife, who live in the nearby city of Reston, were impressed by the practitioners’ exercise demonstration: “It’s remarkable to maintain such a calm and meditative state amid such a lively parade. I’m watching, and I’m learning.”

Referring to the banners, he added, “Their message is deeply relevant to today’s theme. I hope we can all embody more of it—living by the principles [Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance].”

Lea and her daughter

Lea applauded the practitioners and remarked on how beautiful the ones on the float were.

James (left) and Rachel at the parade

Rachel and James said the practitioners’ entry really resonated with them. They said it was the first time they’d heard about Falun Dafa and they really liked the float.

Doug (left) and Anita watching the parade

Dressed in festive attire, Doug and Anita said it was the first time they’d heard about Falun Dafa, but both of them said the message of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance resonated with them.

They were touched by the practitioners’ positive spirit. “I could see a sense of contentment and joy on everyone’s faces,” Doug said.

Anita agreed, adding, “Yes, especially when they were drumming—their expressions were filled with pride and happiness.”

Practitioners Express Gratitude to Master

More than 40 practitioners, including one in her 80s and another just a few years old, participated in the parade. They said that, because the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has persecuted Falun Dafa for decades and spreads lies in the US and other countries, they wish to tell people the truth about Dafa.

Emily Huang

Emily Huang, a young practitioner who demonstrated the exercises on the float said, “As the parade began and the float slowly moved forward, I closed my eyes and started demonstrating the exercises. Although the weather had been cold for the past month, it was exceptionally clear today and warm, and the sun was shining on us.

“Because I was meditating I didn’t open my eyes. Still, I could clearly hear people cheering and applauding for our float and the waist drum team.”

Distributing flyers to spectators

Wang Chunrong, who is in her 80s, distributed flyers to spectators along the parade route. She said doing this was especially meaningful: “I was imprisoned and persecuted by the CCP in China for handing out informational materials.

“After coming to the United States, I treasure every opportunity to tell others about Falun Dafa. I don’t want people to be misled by the CCP’s lies. I also hope to share Falun Dafa’s principles—Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—with people.”

Xu Shaofei, his wife Gao Meixia, and their son participated in the parade.

Xu Shaofei who is an engineer, held a banner at the head of the practitioners’ procession. His wife Gao Meixia, who is a doctor, is a member of the waist drum team. Their son demonstrated the exercises on the float.

Practitioners wish Master a happy New Year.

In advance of the Chinese New Year, the practitioners who participated in the parade thanked Master Li and wished him a happy Chinese New Year.