(Minghui.org) May 13 is World Falun Dafa Day, and this year is the 30^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. Twenty-two New York State Assembly Members issued citations to recognize World Falun Dafa Day.

Twenty-two Members of New York Assembly honor Falun Dafa Day.Left to right, first row: Assembly Member Steve Englebright of the 4^th District, Doug M. Smith of the 5^th District, Philip Ramos of the 6^th District, Jarett Gandolfo of the 7^th District, and Michael J. Fitzpatrick of the 8^th DistrictLeft to right, second row: Assembly Member Michael Durso of the 9^th District, David McDonough of the 14^th District, John Mikulin of the 17^th District, Edward P. Ra of the 19^th District, Andrew D. Hevesi of the 28^th District, and Vivian E. Cook of the 32^nd DistrictLeft to right, third row: Assembly Member Ron Kim of the 40^th District, Charles D. Fall of the 61^st District, Michael Reilly of the 62^nd District, Rebecca Seawright of the 76^th District, Latoya Joyner of the 77^th District, and Karl Brabenec of the 98^th DistrictLeft to right, fourth row: Assembly Member Aileen M. Gunther of the 100^th District, John T. McDonald III of the 108^th District, Patricia Fahy of the 109^th District, Angelo Santabarbara of the 111^st District, and Mary Beth Walsh of the 112^nd District

Citation from Assembly Member Steve Englebright of the 4^th District

The citation from Assembly Member Steve Englebright reads, “Practitioners of Falun Dafa are committed to the principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance; their practice encourages them to abandon negative thoughts and behaviors and to always be thoughtful of others and to be good people; and

“Falun Dafa was founded by Li Hongzhi and presented to the public in 1992 in Changchun, China. Since this time, Mr. Hongzhi has been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize. This discipline consisting of five exercises; four standing and one sitting involving meditation and slow movement to awaken the center of spirtual energy in the human body, is practiced and cherished by people of all ages and backgrounds in over 100 countries. Although the Falun Dafa have faced severe persecution in their homeland, they have persevered and thrived and are actively working towards a peaceful resolution to improve the future of their country; and

“Falun Dafa was introduced in New York in 1996; since then, practitioners have participated fully in community life and freely share their love of this practice with the world.”

Citation from Assembly Member Douglas M. Smith of the 5^th District

The citation from Assembly Member Douglas M. Smith reads, “Falun Gong has transcended cultural and national boundaries to bring physical health, joy, and peace of mind to millions of others around the globe; and

“although tens of millions of people who practice Falun Gong in China live under the constant threat of abduction, imprisonment, or worse, many still find a way to celebrate this special day; and

“and so, each year, on May 13 ^th, Falun Gong practitioners and their supporters around the world celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, giving thanks to Mr. Li for his teachings and goodness they have brought to people’s lives.”

Citation from Assembly Member Philip Ramos of the 6^th District

Citation from Assembly Member Jarett Gandolfo of the 7^th District

Citation from Assembly Member Michael J. Fitzpatrick of the 8^th District

Letter from Assembly Member Michael Durso of the 9^th District

Citation from Assembly Member David McDonough of the 14^th District

Letter from Assembly Member John Mikulin of the 17^th District

Citation from Assembly Member Edward P. Ra of the 19^th District

Letter from Assembly Member Andrew D. Hevesi of the 28^th District

Citation from Assembly Member Vivian E. Cook of the 32^nd District

Letter from Assembly Member Ron Kim of the 40^th District

Citation from Assembly Member Charles D. Fall of the 61^st District

Citation from Assembly Member Michael Reilly of the 62^nd District

Citation from Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright of the 76^th District

Letter from Assembly Member Latoya Joyner of the 77^th District

Citation from Assembly Member Karl Brabenec of the 98^th District

Citation from Assembly Member Aileen M. Gunther of the 100^th District

Citation from Assembly Member John T. McDonald III of the 108^th District

Citation from Assembly Member Patricia Fahy of the 109^th District

Citation from Assembly Member Angelo Santabarbara of the 111^st District

Citation from Assembly Member Mary Beth Walsh of the 112^nd District

Background: What Is Falun Dafa?

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people who have embraced the teachings—which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—and learned the five exercises have experienced improved health and well-being.