(Clearwisdom.net) The VEISHEA celebration in Ames, Iowa has been held annually for 82 years. It is the largest alcohol-free campus celebration activity in the US, and the weekend parade is the most interesting component of the event. Falun Gong practitioners were invited to participate in this activity for the fourth year in a row.
 
Falun Gong procession |
  Falun Gong exercise demonstration on float |
It was sunny on April 17, 2004, and spectators showed up early along the parade route. A variety of processions brought the parade to a peak. The Falun Gong procession was unique, graceful, and warmly welcomed.
In the forefront of the Falun Gong procession was a banner with the words, "Falun Dafa -- Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance," followed by 4 female practitioners wearing Tang Dynasty costumes and holding lotus flowers in their hands while dancing along with the Dafa music. Next came a float decorated with colorful lotus flowers. On the float, three practitioners wearing exercise uniforms and traditional Indian dress conducted an exercise demonstration and a young practitioner did the sitting meditation.
The exercise demo caught the attention of many viewers, some of whom followed along with the exercises and others would press their hands together in front of the chest to show respect to Falun Gong and the practitioners. The practitioners wished that more people would enjoy the benefits of the practice and that the kind-hearted people of Iowa will have a bright future.
