(Minghui.org) Practitioners in the Washington Metropolitan Area gathered on the south lawn outside the White House on May 6, 2012, to celebrate the upcoming World Falun Dafa Day on May 13 and the 20^th anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public. More than 100 practitioners of different nationalities did the exercises, recited poetry, sang, played musical instruments, and danced. The practitioners praised Falun Dafa and expressed their infinite gratitude to Master Li Hongzhi. Several U.S. Congress members and government officials issued proclamations in recognition of Falun Dafa's acceptance worldwide.

Practitioners in Washington DC celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and the 20th anniversary of Falun Dafa's public introduction outside the White House

Practitioners of different nationalities in Washington DC do the exercises

Young practitioners from the Minghui School dance in praise of Falun Dafa and to express their gratitude to Master Li Hongzhi

Government Officials Present Proclamations to Congratulate Mr. Li Hongzhi

Citation presented by Chris Van Hollen, Member of Congress from Maryland

Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition presented by Congressman Roscoe Bartlett from Maryland

Maryland Congressmen Chris Van Hollen and Roscoe Bartlett presented a citation and a certificate of special congressional recognition in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the public introduction of Falun Gong to the world and in support of Falun Dafa Day.

Congratulatory letter to Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, from Elijah E. Cummings, Member of Congress in Maryland

Maryland Congressman Elijah E. Cummings sent a congratulatory letter to Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa. He wrote in his letter, “I am pleased to congratulate you on the celebration of World Falun Dafa Day, which is being recognized on the birthday of Falun Dafa.

“I am proud to have co-sponsored H.R. 605 in the 111th Congress in support of this Chinese spiritual discipline, which you founded in 1992, consisting of spiritual, religious, and moral teachings for daily life, and meditation and exercise based upon the principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance.

Falun Gong and the practice of this traditional Chinese spiritual discipline will foster peace and solidarity throughout the world.”

The Senate of Maryland passed Resolution No. 798 to offer its sincerest congratulations to Mr. Li Hongzhi

The Senate of Maryland passed Resolution No. 798 to offer its sincerest congratulations to Mr. Li Hongzhi. The resolution is in recognition of the 20th anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public, which has significant positive effects on stress-relief and overall mental and physical health. It states, “The entire membership extends best wishes on this memorable occasion.”

Proclamation from the Mayor and City Council of Gaithersburg, designating May 13, 2012, as “World Falun Dafa Day”

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett encouraged all residents to join him in the opportunity to participate in Falun Dafa activities. He wrote in his proclamation, “With Falun Dafa's global spread since 1992, millions of people became free of illness, resolved family differences and discovered the true power of kindness; and the effectiveness of Falun Dafa in improving health, as well as the principles upon which it is founded, have proven to be immensely popular throughout the world and have attracted people in more than 100 countries; and Falun Dafa has transcended cultural and national boundaries to bring better health and inner peace to millions around the world.”

The Mayor and City Council of Gaithersburg designated May 13, 2012, as “World Falun Dafa Day” in the City of Gaithersburg in recognition of Falun Gong practitioners' commitment to fostering basic human rights and cultural awareness at numerous community events and introducing a spiritual discipline based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Tourists Attracted by the Peaceful Exercises Learn the Facts

On Sunday morning on the lawn of the Ellipse south of the White House, Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated the exercises in a large group. They also offered free exercise instruction and distributed informational materials about Falun Gong. They put up several dozen photo displays that recorded the history of Falun Dafa's acceptance in more than 100 countries and Falun Gong practitioners' peaceful and rational truth clarification efforts and resistance to the persecution. Tourists came in a steady stream to learn the facts about Falun Gong, and some stayed to learn the exercises. In the afternoon, practitioners held performances featuring music, singing, poetry reading, and dance to praise Falun Dafa and thank Master for his grace.

The Journey of Fa-rectification Photo Exhibit set up on the south lawn of the White House depicts the journey of Falun Dafa's public introduction over the past 20 years, attracting the attention of many passersby

Amarilys, a student at the Harvard Extension School, was drawn to the peaceful exercise music. She came over and said, “Seeing so many people doing the exercises together so peacefully is very beautiful and appealing.”

Cesar Sabates, a dentist, heard about Falun Gong for the first time. He said, “It looks like this practice is very peaceful, full of spiritual meaning. It's great to be able to see something this grand.” He was indignant after learning that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) bans the practice. He said, “Such a peaceful, healthy, and wonderful practice is not allowed in China. Such a shame. To end the persecution, [Chinese people] must get rid of the CCP.”

A Chinese overseas student surnamed Xiao, who came to the U.S. from Henan Province two years ago, studied each photo in the exhibit carefully. He said, “I have been able to see the facts only after I left China. More and more people around the world recognize and practice Falun Gong.”

Having Benefited from Dafa, Practitioners Express Their Gratitude

Attorney Jamil and his one-year-old daughter explain Falun Gong to tourists

Jamil began practicing Falun Dafa in 2000. He said, “The principle of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance has embedded itself deep my heart and in the depths of my soul. Practicing Dafa makes my mind calmer, I become even kinder, and I always consider others first.” “Many people around the world have benefited from Dafa cultivation. Although the persecution in China is still ongoing, the number of practitioners continues to increase. What a great honor to be able to become a Dafa disciple.”

Pianist Valentina began practicing Falun Dafa in 1997. She said that cultivation in Dafa brings a wonderful feeling and inner strength. “One can get advice and suggestions, help and protection at all times in one's daily life. Falun Dafa's principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are of the utmost importance to mankind, the most important things that humans can own on this planet.”

Francis, an office manager with a non-governmental organization in Washington, began practicing Falun Gong a month ago. She said she saw someone reading Zhuan Falun with great concentration on the subway and and asked him about Falun Dafa.

She said, “I feel very peaceful, my illnesses disappeared, even my work environment has become very peaceful, because the energy field I carry dissolves the negative things. I'm very happy.”

Mr. Li Jianhui from China has practiced for more than ten years. He said, “When I was lost in the maze, Master uncovered my long-buried memory and allowed me to obtain the Fa. Cultivating in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, I have benefited a lot. Words fail to express my gratitude to Master and my praise for Dafa. I'm so fortunate to have obtained the Fa.”