In honor of the founding father and first president of the United States, George Washington, the second hometown of Washington – Old Town Alexandria in Virginia held its annual Presidents’ Day parade on February 14th. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with the parade theme “Virginia’s Son – Father of Our Country” attracting over a hundred groups to participate, reliving America’s founding history.
The day saw the bitter cold dissipate after several days, replaced by beautiful sunshine and a spring-like warmth, with the snow along the streets beginning to melt. It was the fourth time that the Falun Dafa group participated in this long-standing parade, using float decorations and waist drum performances to convey the values of “Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance,” showcasing traditional cultivation culture and receiving enthusiastic welcome and praise from spectators along the route. After the parade, the organizing committee announced that the Falun Dafa group had won second place.
George Washington, born on February 22, 1732, Presidents’ Day was originally established to commemorate his birth. “Old Town Alexandria” was where Washington spent his youth living and working. At the age of 17, he served as a surveyor, mapping the early land in the area, frequently active here with his home, “Mount Vernon,” just 9 miles away, making Alexandria known as Washington’s “second hometown.”
Since 1801, Alexandria has held grand parades annually to commemorate Washington’s birth, one of the oldest and largest commemorations of Washington in American history. This year’s parade not only celebrates Washington’s birthday but also officially kicks off the city’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of its founding.
Alexandria Councilwoman Jacinta Greene stated, “General Washington holds extraordinary significance for Alexandria, not only as a founding father of America but also as a native son who grew up here. This year is especially special as it coincides with America’s 250th anniversary, and we will commemorate this historic moment through a year-long series of activities that embody community diversity and inclusivity.”
The parade featured military bands, honor guards, historical reenactment groups, community organizations, and floats. Many participants were dressed in 18th-century attire – men in long coats, waistcoats, and beige stockings, women in long dresses and shawls, vividly portraying the cultural atmosphere of America’s founding era.
Actors portraying “George Washington” and “Martha Washington” rode in carriages, waving to the audience on both sides. There was also a horseback-riding “Washington” holding a sign that read “I cannot tell a lie,” a famous quote from Washington’s honest childhood tale of the “Cherry Tree Story.” The float from the “Sons of the American Revolution” (SAR) showcased the Liberty Bell and the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing the spirit of freedom and showcasing the historical traditions of America’s founding.
The parade attracted local council members, police departments, fire departments, educational institutions, historical societies, Mount Vernon’s Washington Estate, and numerous community organizations, with crowds of spectators gathering along the route, creating a lively atmosphere.
The Falun Dafa group participated in the parade for the fourth time this year, with their elaborate floats and grand waist drum performance standing out as highlights.
The Falun Dafa float was decorated with lotus themes symbolizing purity and harmony. On the float, practitioners demonstrated soothing and graceful exercises, with posters introducing Falun Dafa as a traditional cultivation method following the principles of “Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance,” which help improve physical and mental health, relieve stress, and elevate spiritual well-being.
Members of the Falun Dafa waist drum teams from Washington DC and New York, dressed in traditional goose-yellow attire and carrying orange waist drums, marched energetically, playing music such as “Falun Dafa Is Good,” “Celebration,” and the “March of the New China.” The powerful drum beats uplifted the spirits of the crowd, filling the air with a festive atmosphere.
Whenever the waist drum teams passed by, spectators along the route applauded and cheered. As they passed the grandstand, the host specially thanked the Falun Dafa group, saying, “Thank you to the Falun Dafa group, Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance, thank you for participating!”
The performance by the Falun Dafa group received high praise from the audience. Local residents Voatka and Michael remarked, “Fantastic! Absolutely beautiful! We loved their music, it sounds wonderful. The message of ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance’ they convey is exactly what our society needs!”
A lady named S said, “I really enjoyed the parade and am glad to support our community. America is a country of immigrants, and on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of its founding, such celebrations bring people together.”
Viewer Steve commented, “The music is very interesting and unique, it’s great to have them here.”
Two young viewers, Joey and Sophie, exclaimed, “Their performance was amazing! Perfect coordination, we’ve never seen a team like this before, very cultural!”
Other spectators expressed, “Absolutely beautiful, thank you for participating in the parade!”
The Falun Dafa group stated that their participation in the parade not only celebrates Presidents’ Day and America’s 250th anniversary but also aims to express their appreciation for religious freedom in America by showcasing traditional culture and the principles of “Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance.”
The Presidents’ Day parade not only commemorates America’s founding history but also showcases the diverse cultures of the community. The Falun Dafa group, with its peaceful exercise demonstrations and uplifting waist drum performances, added a unique cultural touch to this longstanding celebration, becoming one of the popular highlights of the parade.