(Minghui.org) Michael Prue, mayor of Amherstburg, said to a group of Falun Dafa practitioners at the flag-raising ceremony in front of the city hall on April 30, 2026, “At last year’s flag-raising ceremony, many of you and I stood right here. About a month later, I received a threatening letter from the Chinese Consulate in Toronto, warning me to stop supporting Falun Dafa. But I stand here today to tell them, I will continue to support you! I might receive another letter, but that does not matter.”
Michael Prue, mayor of Amherstburg, Ontario, told Falun Dafa practitioners at the flag-raising ceremony in front of the city hall on April 30, 2026, that he would continue to support them.
May 13th marks World Falun Dafa Day. For nearly six years, Toronto, Canada, and its surrounding cities have consistently celebrated this occasion through flag-raising ceremonies.
On April 30, 2026, Amherstburg was the first city this year to raise the Falun Dafa Day flag. This is the fifth consecutive year that Amherstburg has held a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the event. Situated along the Detroit River, Amherstburg lies directly across the water from Detroit, Michigan, US. The small town is renowned for its rich military history, picturesque waterfront scenery, and tranquil small-town atmosphere.
Practitioners attended a flag-raising ceremony celebrating World Falun Dafa Day on April 30, 2026.
The first “Falun Dafa Day” flag of 2026 was raised in the city of Amherstburg.
Mayor Stands With Truth and Justice
Mayor Michael Prue said he was honored to be mayor of the first city to raise the flag, “I am truly delighted. The fact that Canada’s very first [Falun Dafa Day] flag-raising ceremony took place here—for a small town to stand at the very front of the line—is of extraordinary significance.”
He recounted his experience last year before he read the congratulatory letter, “For 27 years, I have hoped that the Chinese government would come to its senses one day, recognize what a magnificent group Falun Dafa is, and put an end to the 27-year-long persecution against it. It seems they have not heard my voice—or perhaps they heard it all too clearly.” Following the flag-raising ceremony last year, Mayor Prue received a threatening letter from the Chinese Consulate demanding that he cease his support for Falun Dafa.
He had never been asked by any foreign entity or Canadian to stop advocating for what he believed to be the truth. He was shocked at the time, and also a bit angry. He contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who came and took the letter. “They said they didn’t know if they could do anything with it, but they thanked me for reporting the matter to them,” Mayor Prue said.
“Once again, I stand here. Perhaps I will receive another letter, but that does not matter. What matters is that you have come; what matters is that your voices have been heard, your cause is just, and we will continue to support you. I am proud to say that our Council gave its unanimous support, read the proclamation, and raised the flag,” he said.
Mayor Michael Prue attended the flag-raising ceremony and presented a proclamation to Falun Dafa practitioners.
Michael Prue, mayor of Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada, also sent a proclamation for Falun Dafa Day.
Proclamation
The Corporation of the Town of Amherstburg
“Falun Dafa Day”May 13th, 2026
WHEREAS: Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is an ancient Chinese spiritual discipline in the Buddhist tradition. It consists of moral teachings, meditation and gentle exercises that are a unique and effective way to improve people’s health and energy levels; and,
WHEREAS: Falun Dafa was first introduced by Master Li Hongzhi in 1992 in China. Transcending cultural and racial boundaries, today Falun Dafa is being practiced by more than 100 million people in over 114 countries from all walks of life; and,
WHEREAS: At the core of Falun Dafa are the values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Through consistent and dedicated practice, the student of Falun Gong comes to achieve a state of selflessness, greater insight and awareness, inner purity and balance; and,
WHEREAS: The great compassion and forbearance demonstrated by Falun Dafa practitioners under the Chinese Communist Regime’s most severe persecution have touched every kindhearted human being; and,
WHEREAS: Falun Dafa practitioners in the communities across Canada celebrate Falun Dafa Day on May 13 and this year marks its 34th anniversary.
THEREFORE: I, Mayor Michael Prue, on behalf of the Town of Amherstburg, Do HEREBY PROCLAIM
MAY 13th, 2026“FALUN DAFA DAY”IN THE TOWN OF AMHERSTBURG
Michael Prue, Mayor
Mayor Michael Prue and Falun Dafa practitioners participating in the flag-raising ceremony.
Ensuring Performances Such as Shen Yun Proceed Smoothly
Speaking of the incident a few months ago in which Shen Yun shows in Toronto were canceled due to false bomb threats instigated by the Chinese Communist Party, Mayor Prue said that he’s attended Shen Yun performances for five or six consecutive years, and he feels it is a truly magnificent show. He was deeply disappointed when he learned that this year’s Shen Yun performances in Toronto were canceled. He added that it was truly heartbreaking for those planning to attend the performance for the very first time, who missed out on this opportunity to see the show. He expressed his hope that in the future Canada would implement sufficient safeguards to ensure that such events can proceed without disruption.
Finally, Mayor Prue sincerely wished people around the world—including those living in China—a peaceful and beautiful life, and expressed the hope that their rights and freedoms will be respected.
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