(Minghui.org) Practitioners in the greater Washington area once again participated in the Memorial Day parade in Falls Church, Virginia, a suburb of Washington D.C., on May 27, 2024. Spectators said that they felt the positive attitude of practitioners and the energy they brought. When seeing the banner that read “The World Needs Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance,” one person said, “It’s needed everywhere.”

The last Monday in May is Memorial Day in the United States. Events are held all over the country on this day to commemorate U.S. military officers and soldiers. The day also marks the arrival of summer, and many cities hold parades.

In recent years, practitioners were invited to participate in the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and their float won the best float trophy several times. In addition to the float, this year, the celestial maiden team and waist drum team also participated in the parade. Many people said that the banners that read “Falun Dafa Is Good” and “The World Needs Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance” in Chinese and English were eye-catching.

Practitioners participated in the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade on May 27, 2024.

Peter Quinn said he’s seen Falun Dafa practitioners in parades in Washington D.C. before. Talking about his feelings while watching practitioners in the parade, he said, “I like that feeling, that culture, and the energy they bring.”

Peter Quinn said he likes practitioners’ energy. 

Seeing the banner that read “The World Needs Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance,” he said, “These are the universal values that people strive to pursue.”

Max said he’d seen Falun Dafa practitioners’ parades before. “They are a very peaceful group,” he said. “It was pleasant to watch their parade. It was like a multicultural display. I was happy that they came to participate in this parade.”

Bob kept clapping and cheering for practitioners and said he’d seen practitioners’ parades before. “It’s very interesting and very good. I like the bright colors.”

Bob applauds practitioners in the parade. 

Sasha said this was the first time she’s seen practitioners participate in a parade. She said, “I’m excited. I’m not from their country. I’m happy to see them.” She said, “I can feel that they are beautiful and positive. I’ve been interested in this group (Falun Dafa).”

Sam said he heard about Falun Dafa years ago and knew that practitioners were severely persecuted in China. “I’m happy to see them in the parade. It is very good and nice.”

Sam said he was pleased to see the practitioners in the parade.

Lana and her brother watched the parade and this was also their first time seeing practitioners in the parade. Lana said, “It was beautiful, especially when they were so engaged.” They praised the waist drum team. “It was interesting and different.”

Paula said that she liked seeing practitioners in the parade. “I saw them doing the exercises, and I thought it was interesting. Seeing them really made me want to meditate, so it was really good.” 

Reza and several friends went to watch the parade. Reza said, “I think today’s event is very good, especially with the participation of the Falun Dafa group. This is the first time I have heard of Falun Dafa. I feel very good today. I feel integrated into it.”

Reza (first from left) and two friends watch the parade. 

A practitioner distributes fliers to the audience. 

Spectators accept and read fliers.

Many people accepted fliers handed out by practitioners along the parade route. Some carefully read the information on the flier, while others talked with practitioners, wanting to learn more information.