(Minghui.org) The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, one of the country’s largest Memorial Day parades, was held in New York on May 25, 2026. The first parade was held in 1927.
Around 100 groups participated in the parade this year to express their respect for the soldiers and veterans who sacrificed their lives for the country. Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) practitioners were once again invited to participate.
The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade was held in New York on May 25, 2026 (Minghui.org)
Practitioners were invited to participate in the grand parade to commemorate Memorial Day, and carried banners reading “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance” in multiple languages so spectators from different countries could read them. (Minghui.org)
Practitioners demonstrated the exercises.
Practitioners did the lotus flower dance.
Practitioners performed the Chinese waist drums.
Elected Officials Attended the Parade to Show Respect to Military Veterans
Many elected officials from the federal, state, and city levels attended the activities, including Congress members Grace Meng and Tom Suozzi, New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, New York State Representative Edward C. Braunstein, New York State Senator John Liu, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Queens County District Attorney Melinda Katz, and New York City Council Members Vickie Paladino, Linda Lee, District Leader Martha Flores-Vazquez, and others.
Politicians gave speeches expressing their respect for veterans who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Congresswoman Grace Meng said, “Thank you to all families who came to show respect to veteran soldiers.”
Congressman Suozzi said, “We remember those who lost their lives for freedom and democracy. Freedom and democracy is above politics, we must do better in politics and work together.”
Queens County District Attorney Katz said, “Thank you to every brave warrior who has served our country. We pay tribute to you here every year.”
District leader Martha said, “This is the 25th year I’ve participated in this parade. I am surprised to see hundreds of Falun Dafa practitioners joining in this grand event too. They advocate peace just like the veteran soldiers.”
People Drawn to Banners in Multi Languages
Among the groups in the parade that day were veteran representatives from the Second World War, the Korean War, and Vietnam War, active military personnel, members of the US Army, as well as firemen, policemen, and others.
The Falun Dafa group consisting of the exercise team, banner team, lotus flower dance team, and waist drum team participate in this parade every year. Many people applauded the practitioners’ performances.
A man recognized the words Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance in Greek, and happily took a photo in front of the banner.
To commemorate the 34th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction practitioners displayed banners with messages “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance” and “Falun Dafa is Good” in many languages to show how popular the spiritual practice is in over 100 countries and regions worldwide.
Tom Tang, a Falun Dafa practitioner, said, “Since Falun Dafa was introduced 34 years ago, millions of people have since benefited from the practice. This year we brought banners in many languages to spread the benefits of the practice to more people so they can benefit.”
One man stood in front of a banner with Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance in Greek to take a photo.
He said, “I speak German, and Greek. I saw the banner in Greek, so I wanted to take my photo with it. I’ve also seen Falun Dafa parades in Germany, and I saw banners written in German. This goes to show Falun Dafa is practiced all over the world!”
Chinese People Praise Falun Dafa
Ms. Lin kept clapping excitedly, and said, “Practitioners are here every year, I am delighted to see them. Their contingent keeps growing. Banners with Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance in different languages, this is great!”
Marilyn and her family were excited to see the parade. She said happily, “I see Falun Dafa in the parade every year, They are colorful, spectacular! My whole family said they feel a strong energy.”
Wang Zhijun, a Chinese man, took his children to see the parade, as it was the school holidays. He said, “The practitioners’ waist drum team and their dance group are outstanding, vibrant, uplifting, peaceful, enthusiastic, and left a deep impression on local residents.”
Wang Zhijun a Chinese man, took his children to see the parade and said he loved seeing practitioners in the parade.
Jie Lijian, chairman of the China Democracy Party International Alliance, and his friends Wei Libin, Yang Lei, as well as Zhao Xiling and Li Zhongping from the Chinese Democracy and Human Rights Alliance, came to see the parade. They said they went to pay their respect at the Korean War Memorial at Kethina Park earlier. They watched the parade to experience the spirit of democracy, freedom, and patriotism in America.
They said seeing practitioners participate made them feel “proud to be Chinese.”
They said, “Falun Dafa practitioners bring Chinese traditional culture to mainstream society, to tens of thousands of people in the community. US citizens were cheering, clapping, and taking photos when they saw Chinese traditional culture. We too feel proud as Chinese. Falun Gong is a positive energy in American society, and Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is an indispensable force promoting world civilization!”
A Chinese woman clapped with delight when she saw practitioners in the parade.
Copyright © 1999-2026 Minghui.org. All rights reserved.
