(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners from around the world celebrated the 20th World Falun Dafa Day, which fell on May 13, 2019. They held parades, a number of performances, and a formation with large Chinese characters, as well as the Falun Emblems. Eleven U.S. Representatives from New York sent proclamation letters to honor this occasion, 27 years after Falun Dafa was first taught in China.
Eleven U.S. Representatives from New York who presented Falun Dafa with a proclamations (from left to right, top to bottom) are: Lee Zeldin (1st District); Thomas R. Suozzi (3rd District); Nydia M. Velazquez (7th District); Hakeem Jeffries (8th District); Yvette Clarke (9th District); Max Rose (11th District); Carolyn B. Maloeny (12th District); Jose E. Serrano (15th District); Eliot Engel (16th District); Sean Patrick Maloney (18th District); Elise M. Stefanik (21st District).
U.S. Congressman Lee M. Zeldin
Proclamation from U.S. Congressman Lee M. Zeldin of New York’s 1st District.
Representative Lee M. Zeldin honors the practice for its “outstanding and invaluable service to the community.”
U.S. Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi
Proclamation from U.S. Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi of New York’s 3rd District.
Representative Thomas R. Suozzi says, “I wish you a peaceful and meaningful celebration on the 20th World Falun Dafa Day and the 27th Anniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa. Thank you for all you do to spread peace and happiness in communities around the world.”
U.S. Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez
Proclamation from U.S. Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez of New York’s 7th District.
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez wrote in her letter, “It’s my honor to recognize all who are celebrating this year’s 20th World Falun Dafa Day in New York City.”
“.....For multiple days in May, the honoring of Falun Dafa’s core principles will be embraced throughout the boroughs of New York City encouraging people to be good, kind and thoughtful of others at all times.”
“I fully extend my support and congratulations on this World Falun Dafa Day. My warmest wishes for the future.”
U.S. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
Proclamation from U.S. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York’s 8th District.
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries says, “Please accept my warmest greetings upon the occasion of the 20th World Falun Dafa Day. I am pleased to have this opportunity to acknowledge your founder and spiritual leader, Mr. Li Hongzhi, along with your practitioners and supporters from all around the world for their exemplary leadership.”
“I applaud the dedication of Falun Dafa practitioners and their ongoing mission of committing countless hours towards community service. Falun Dafa practitioners organize free meditation classes, Chinese cultural productions of music and dance, and exercises instruction classes for followers and New York residents alike.”
“As the Representative of the 8th Congressional District, I want to thank you for your service and dedication. Best wishes for a memorable celebrations.”
U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Proclamation from U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke of New York’s 9th District.
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke says, “Whereas, Brooklyn serves as a proud and vibrant borough, with a local reflection of the world’s’ cultural diversity, and it is a time-honored tradition within the United States House of Representatives to take a moment to reflect on the many accomplishments and contributions made by members of our larger community; and
“Whereas, over 10,000 Falun Dafa practitioners have made monumental contributions to American society through medicine, spirituality and healing; and
“Whereas, Falun Dafa is rooted in ancient Chinese spiritual tradition and Falun Gong was first taught publicly in China in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of the practice; and
“Whereas, Falun Dafa is practiced in over 100 countries worldwide by people of all ages and backgrounds, and is taught free of charge by volunteers; and
“Whereas, Falun Dafa practitioners actively continue their work to develop a peaceful resolution to the persecution of Falun Gong in China and to improve the future of the world’s most populous country; and
“Now, therefore I, Yvette D. Clarke, Member of Congress representing the Ninth Congressional District of New York, do now acknowledge that Brooklyn celebrates World Falun Dafa Day from May 16-18, 2019.
U.S. Congressman Max Rose
Proclamation from U.S. Congressman Max Rose of New York’s 11th District.
Congressman Max Rose contributes a special congressional recognition to Mr. Li Hongzhi “in recognition of his dedication to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. Whose founding of Falun Dafa has contributed to health improvement and spiritual upliftment of over 100 million people in over 100 countries.”
U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney
Proclamation from U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney of New York’s 12th District.
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney writes, “I am delighted to send my best wishes to Falun Dafa participants and practitioners on the occasion of the 20th World Falun Dafa Day celebration, highlighting good health guided by the principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance.
“As you commemorate the day on which Falun Dafa was first introduced to the public, I would like to recognize local Falun Dafa practitioners for offering free workshops throughout the city, including at senior centers, libraries, and public parks. Falun Dafa counts millions of practitioners in 114 countries with hundreds in the New York Tri-State area.
“I offer my congratulations to the New York City Falun Dafa practitioners for their dedication to promoting positive health and spiritual practices through Falun Dafa in this City and around the world. To all the participants celebrating World Falun Dafa Day this weekend, I salute you and stand with you in working towards a future in which all persons are able to observe their beliefs without fear of persecution.”
U.S. Congressman Jose E. Serrano
Proclamation from U.S. Congressman Jose E. Serrano of New York’s 15th District.
Congressman Jose E. Serrano says, “I am proud to acknowledge everyone who is celebrating the Annual World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, 2019.”
“During this day, we would like to take the time to applaud the Falun Dafa’s ongoing principles of truth, compassion and tolerance and those who uphold them through peaceful meditation and a search for higher well-being. The Falun Dafa has truly been a paragon of community outreach, serving our community in our libraries, senior centers, public parks, health clubs and even offices.
“The free exercises of religion is essential to our country, and we look forward to the day when the Falun Dafa can be practiced and celebrated everywhere. We congratulate those who continue to persist in the face of persecution to peacefully share with their communities the beauty and rich history behind their ancient practice.”
U.S. Congressman Eliot Engel
Proclamation from U.S. Congressman Eliot L. Engel of New York’s 16th District.
Congressman Eliot Engel writes, “I want to send my warmest greetings to all those celebrating World Falun Dafa Day.
“Falun Dafa, based on a foundation of 'truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance’ has offered high level meditation and exercise to people all over the world. This peaceful, spiritual practice has done a great deal to help millions of people improve their minds and bodies.
“I am pleased to offer my congratulations as you celebrate Falun Dafa Day, and to remember with you those who live in nations that deny freedom of practice, belief and conscience. We must remain vigilant. Congratulations again to all those celebrating today.”
U.S. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney
Proclamation from U.S. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney of New York’s 18th District.
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney says, “Whereas, we are proud to commemorate the 20th Annual World Falun Dafa Day Celebration, to be observed May 16-19, 2019; and
“Whereas, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a self-improvement practice rooted in ancient Chinese culture based on refining the body and mind through four sets of gentle exercises and meditation. This special event observes the day Falun Dafa was first introduced to the public in May of 1992, in Changchun, China, by M. Li Hongzhi; he then traveled around China lecturing to the public. The impact his lectures had on society were so profound that the practice spread rapidly by word of mouth alone and by 1998, it was estimated that 100 million people had taken up the practice in China; and
“Whereas, practitioners of Falun Dafa strive to live by the principle of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance in order to improve their moral nature, and in turn, to experience remarkable health benefits. The practice of Falun Dafa speaks to the goal of greater wisdom and enlightenment; and
“Whereas, today, Falun Dafa is practiced and cherished by millions of people in more than 140 countries with 42 languages and has received over 3,000 awards. Falun Dafa is a practice which has brought better health and inner peace to millions around the world.
“Now, therefore, be it resolved, that we commemorate the 20th Annual World Falun Dafa Day Celebration and acknowledge the many benefits it has brought to the Hudson Valley.”
U.S. Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik
Proclamation from U.S. Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik of New York’s 21st District.
Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik issued a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in honor of the 20th World Falun Dafa Day as “Falun Dafa practitioners from over 100 countries around the world gather in New York City to celebrate this special occasion.”
