On April 25, 2026, thousands of Falun Gong practitioners from the Greater New York area held a large-scale parade and rally in downtown Flushing, New York, marking the 27th anniversary of the April 25, 1999 peaceful appeal in Beijing.
The “April 25” peaceful appeal 27 years ago was described by Western media as “the largest, most rational, and most peaceful appeal in China’s petition history,” earning widespread praise from the international community and giving many observers hope for China’s future. However, three months later, then–Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin launched a nationwide campaign of brutal repression against Falun Gong that continues to this day.
Since the persecution began, Falun Gong practitioners around the world have continuously organized grassroots efforts to raise awareness and call for an end to the persecution. Today, people in more than 100 countries practice Falun Dafa.
Parade showcases truth and hope; overseas Chinese and others join in support
At noon, the parade set off from the intersection of Main Street and 38th Avenue in Flushing, proceeding along Main Street, Sanford Avenue, and Kissena Boulevard. Led by the Tian Guo Marching Band and followed by three main formations and various banners, participants peacefully conveyed messages that “Falun Dafa is good,” that the world needs the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and called for an end to the persecution, while also expressing support for the 460 million people who have withdrawn from the Chinese Communist Party and its affiliated organizations.
This year’s parade featured three major themes: “Falun Dafa Is Good,” “Stop the Persecution of Falun Gong,” and “Support 460 Million Withdrawals from the CCP.” The Tian Guo Marching Band led the procession, performing pieces such as Falun Dafa Is Good, Delivering Treasures, and Triumphant Return. The uplifting and resonant music echoed through downtown Flushing.
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The parade also included a large replica of the book Zhuan Falun, a giant Falun emblem, dragon and lion dances, drum teams, waist drum performers, and a wide array of banners, creating a spectacular scene. Following the parade, a rally was held near the Flushing Library.
Many non-practicing Chinese residents and Western participants also joined or came specifically to show their support. Members of the China Democracy and Human Rights Alliance and the China Democracy Party were present to express solidarity.
Jin Xiuhong, chair of the Federation for a Democratic China, led a group of supporters—many of whom traveled from out of state—to attend. Holding banners reading “Support Falun Gong,” they expressed their heartfelt support.
Yang Maosen, founder of the China New People’s Party, also led members of his organization to march in support of Falun Gong practitioners.
From learning the truth to supporting the cause
New York resident Wang Mandi said that while she was in China, she had only been exposed to defamatory propaganda about Falun Gong and had no positive understanding of it. One year, while traveling, she saw a Falun Gong New Year parade in Flushing. The kindness reflected in practitioners’ smiles deeply moved her, and the scale and positive energy of the parade left a strong impression.
After coming to the United States, she learned more about Falun Gong and its background. “I came today to support practitioners in opposing the persecution,” she said, adding that she has also withdrawn from the CCP organizations she had once joined in China.
Isaiah Murray, a technology professional, said the parade was very appealing. “The music is beautiful and gives a sense of peace. The principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are very good—exactly what the world needs.” He added that he plans to learn more about Falun Gong and may even begin practicing.
Brian Don, a social worker, said the parade was impressive. “The world today is so chaotic, and people are constantly in conflict. The principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are exactly what the world urgently needs.” He expressed support for practitioners in their efforts to end the persecution.
Benefiting in body and mind; sharing the goodness of Dafa
Monika Tomášová, a model who began practicing Falun Dafa in 2016, said: “After I started practicing, I understood the true meaning of life. I can calmly handle difficulties, and I naturally consider others first. My relationships with people have improved greatly. I joined today’s parade to tell people: Falun Dafa is good! Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are good! Exposing the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong is important because it harms the whole world.”
Adhiraj Chakrabarti, a photographer who began practicing in 2014, said that the peaceful appeal 27 years ago is something worth commemorating. Facing a regime that violates laws and human rights—arresting and beating people arbitrarily—the practitioners’ peaceful appeal in Beijing was “an act of great compassion and great forbearance.” He added that it helped more people around the world learn about Falun Gong and benefit from understanding the truth.
“We are here today to thank those practitioners who went to Beijing 27 years ago, and to let more people know about the goodness of Falun Dafa so they too can benefit,” he said.
Luis Acevedo, a mechanical engineer and trombone player in the Tian Guo Marching Band, has practiced Falun Dafa since 1994. He said: “Practicing Falun Dafa has helped me understand the truth of the universe and the meaning of life—to return to one’s true origin through cultivation, back to one’s real home, a heavenly world. I am deeply grateful for the compassionate salvation of Master, which has filled my life with hope.”
“I joined today’s parade to share the beauty of Falun Dafa with others. The music we perform, such as Falun Dafa Is Good, is both majestic and beautiful. People can truly benefit from listening and feel the goodness of Dafa.”
Remembering a historic peaceful appeal
Twenty-seven years ago, tens of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners from all walks of life gathered near Zhongnanhai in Beijing—the central headquarters of the Chinese government—in what became the largest and most peaceful petition in China’s history.
Today, in New York, practitioners continue to gather and speak out for freedom and human rights. The event has drawn participation not only from practitioners but also from various organizations and supporters, including many non-Chinese participants and Chinese residents who traveled from other states to show their support and raise their voices for freedom.
By Zhang Zheng, Ryan, and Liu Di
